Dalai Lama extends greetings and congratulates new Australian PM

Buddist spiritual leader Dalai Lama congratulated newly elected Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on his party's victory. He also expressed gratitude for Australia's support of Tibetan welfare.

Around 2,500 Tibetans live in Australia after seeking asylum. Many are former political prisoners and their families who have arrived in the island nation under the humanitarian stream of Australia's migration program. He wrote that his people have been honoured to enjoy the support of the Australian people and their respective leaders in our effort to preserve our Buddhist cultural heritage.

The Dalai Lama wrote he had the privilege to visit Australia first in 1982 and has been a regular visitor since then. Many educational institutions and organisations committed to peace invite His Holiness frequently.

The Tibetan spiritual leader said that he has been touched by the openness and warmth of people from all walks of life in Australia. Many have shown interest in promoting basic human values like kindness, tolerance, and forgiveness, as well as inter-religious harmony. He added that Buddhism's principles of non-violence and compassion have the potential to help individuals find peace of mind and contribute to peace in the world.

The Dalai Lama ended his letter by wishing the new Prime Minister success in meeting the challenges lying ahead in fulfilling the Australian people's hopes and aspirations and in contributing to a more harmonious world.

Anthony Albanese is a labor party leader who has ousted the conservatives. Experts are anticipating a change in Australia's landscape as the new Prime Minister has humble roots. He has spent 26 years in politics.