(TibetanReview.net, Nov12, 2016) – The Dalai Lama on Nov 9 congratulated Mr Donald J Trump on winning election as the next, 45th President of the USA. He expressed his long-held admiration for the US as a champion of democracy, freedom and the rule of law.
The exiled spiritual leader of Tibet has been welcomed at the White House by all the presidents of the USA since HW Bush did so in Apr 1991, and current President Barack Obama has done so several times, including in the White House.
In his congratulatory message to Mr Trump, the Dalai Lama said he and the Tibetan people had been honored to have received the support of successive US Presidents as well as the American people “ in their endeavors to protect and preserve their ancient Buddhist culture—a culture of peace, non-violence and compassion”.
He also said the world placed great hope in the democratic vision and leadership of the USA.
The 81-year-old Tibetan leader has never met Mr Trump, a businessman, before.
Earlier, on Sep 22, when asked about his impression of Mr Trump in an exclusive interview for Good Morning Britain television show by its host Piers Morgan, the Dalai Lama said he didn’t know but could not resist mimicking the Republican presidential candidate, saying, “I don’t know, sometimes when you see him, the way his hair… [puts hand on forehead]… and his mouth is small [mimics Trump’s mouth]… that is my impression of him but I don’t know.” The video clip went viral over the internet.
The Dalai Lama is known for his playful ways in his meetings with people, often tugging at the luxuriant beards of those who happen to sport it.