Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel’s Opening Address at 9th World Parliamentarians’ Convention on Tibet. Photo / Tenzin Choeying / TPiE

Tashi Delek, Everyone.

Most Honourable Akiko Santo, the Chief Guest, Former Speaker of the House of Councillors and Member of the House of Councillors of Japan: Hon. Akie Abe, Special Guest, Former first lady and wife of the late Former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe; Reverence Ohtani Chojun, 24th Chief Abbot of the Higashi Hongwanji Temple; Hon. Yamatani Eriko, Chairperson of the Japan Parliamentary Support Group for Tibet; Hon. Yamada Hiroshi, General Secretary of the Japan Parliamentary Support Group for Tibet; Hon. Penpa Tsering, Sikyong of the Central Tibetan Administration, Deputy Speaker Dolma Tsering, Minister of Information and International Relation Norzin Dolma;  honourable members of parliament; and dignitaries present here today.

It is a great honour for me to welcome you all, the distinguished parliamentarians, honourable guests and media from around the world to the 9th World Parliamentarians’ Convention on Tibet. On behalf of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of ...