Czech President Makes Historic Visit to Dalai Lama in Ladakh

Czech Republic President Petr Pavel made a historic visit to Ladakh on July 27, 2025, becoming the first head of state to meet both His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Central Tibetan Administration leadership. Accompanied by Czech Ambassador Dr. Eliska Zigova, President Pavel toured Thiksey Monastery before receiving an audience with the Dalai Lama at Shiwa Tsel Phodrang. He also visited Sonamling Tibetan Settlement, where Sikyong Penpa Tsering welcomed him. President Pavel expressed support for the Middle Way approach, stating the Dalai Lama "only wants freedom of religion, freedom of expression, and freedom of language for his own people." He noted this visit reciprocated the Dalai Lama's eleven visits to Czech Republic.