Dharamshala: Estonian parliamentary delegation consisting of MP Juku-Kalle Raid, Chair of the Tibet Support Group in the Estonian Parliament; MP Karmen Joller, member of the Social Affairs Committee; and MP Ester Aruse, member of the Foreign Affairs Committee visited the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile earlier today on 3rd September 2024.

The delegation held a meeting with Speaker Khenpo Sonam Tenphel led members of the Standing Committee and the Public Accounts Committee, followed by a visit to the parliament hall.

Welcoming the visiting delegation, the Speaker emphasized the strong and growing friendship between Estonia and Tibet. He highlighted the significant visits of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Estonia and the establishment of the Estonian parliamentary support group for Tibet. He also noted the creation of a Tibet support group in Estonia, the visits of Estonian parliamentary delegations to Dharamshala, and the reciprocal visits of Tibetan parliamentarians to Estonia.

The Speaker provided an overview of the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile’s structure and activities, including its bi-annual sessions, standing committees, public accounts committee, advocacy campaigns, the World Parliamentarians Convention on Tibet, and other key functions.

Addressing the deteriorating situation in Tibet, the Speaker called for international attention and support, citing the 157 self-immolations by Tibetans protesting CCP policies, arbitrary detentions, and other issues. He urged Estonian MPs to raise the Sino-Tibetan conflict both within and outside of parliament and to adopt supportive policies and resolutions on Tibet.

The Speaker expressed profound gratitude to the delegates for visiting the Central Tibetan Administration, despite a letter from the Chinese Embassy in Estonia to the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs protesting the visit to Dharamshala. He characterized China’s reaction as a familiar tactic of intimidation.

The Estonian parliamentary delegation shared the history of their Tibet support group, which began with a small number of members over a decade ago and has since grown significantly. They reaffirmed their steadfast support for Tibet and Tibetans and stressed the importance of countering CCP misinformation and propaganda.

The discussions between Tibetan and Estonian lawmakers covered numerous issues, and the Estonian parliamentarians concluded their visit with a tour of the parliament hall.

On September 2, 2024, the Tibetan Parliament-in-Exile hosted a dinner in honor of the Estonian parliamentary delegation. The delegation included MP Juku-Kalle Raid, Chair of the Tibet Support Group in the Estonian Parliament and member of the Foreign Affairs Committee; MP Karmen Joller, member of the Social Affairs Committee; and MP Ester Aruse, also a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee alongside Mr. Roy Strider, Coordinator for the Tibet Support Group in the Estonian Parliament.