A delegation of Tibetologists led by Zhang Yun, director of the Institute of History, China Tibetology Research Center, held in-depth discussions with Dutch officials and Tibetan researchers on the development of Tibet, human rights protection in Tibet and the development and prospect of Tibetology on May 25, 2018.

 

Zhang introduced the culture, education, ecology, medical treatment and economic-social development in Tibet to officials of Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 

Zhang said that the understanding of human rights is closely related to the development of a country, and for China, the right to development has been a priority. China has made great progress in protecting human rights. As to the difference, both sides should strengthen communication to understand each other instead of fingerpointing.

 

Vandenberg, deputy director of the Asia and Oceania Department of Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, agreed on the view of cultural difference proposed by tibetologists from China, regarded the discussion as a good opportunity to exchange ideas and promote understanding, and expressed the desire of more cultural exchange.

 

The delegation also held discussions with teachers and students of the Regional Research Institute of Leiden University on May 25.

 

The delegation will visit Latvia after leaving the Netherlands.