Dalai Lama greets French President-elect Macron

Dharamsala May 8 (IANS) Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Monday congratulated Emmanuel Macron for winning the French presidential elections.

In a letter to the French President-elect he recalling their last meeting in 2016 said: It was an honour to meet with you in Paris last September. I very much appreciate the sentiments you expressed at that time.

During my visits to your country over the years I have been touched by the affection and friendship shown to me by people from all walks of life.

Noting he was an enthusiastic admirer of the spirit of the European Union -- putting the wider community s long-term common interest ahead of national and other local concerns he expressed hope that the European Union will grow from strength to strength and that it will be a model for other continents to follow in times to come.

Since France is one of the pillars of the European Union I am confident that you will be able to play an active role in its successfully meeting the challenges that lie ahead he added.

Central Tibetan Administration President Lobsang Sangay also congratulated Macron.

I on behalf of the Central Tibetan Administration heartily congratulate you for winning the French presidential election he said.

The Dalai Lama lives in exile along with some 140 000 Tibetans over 100 000 of them in India.

The Tibetan exile administration based here is not recognised by any country.

--IANS
vg/vd