| Frankfurt, Germany, 29 July 2009 (Phurbu Thinley, Phayul.com) - His Holiness the Dalai Lama on Wednesday arrived in Germany's Hessen (Hesse) state for a five-day visit. The exiled Tibetan leader was received by the Hessen State Premier and long time Tibet supporter Roland Koch at a hotel in Neu-Isenberg. Wellwishers and Tibetans gathered outside the hotel to welcome the Dalai Lama. They held auspicious greeting scarves and waved Tibetan national flag as the 74-year old Tibetan leader arrived under high security escort. Jointly addressing a press conference later, Koch assured the Dalai Lama of the nation's sympathy for the plight of Tibetans. The Dalai Lama can count on the sympathy and support of Germans in his efforts to bring greater freedom to Tibet, Koch said. Koch, a long time friend of the Dalai Lama and supporter of Tibet's cause, also praised the Nobel Peace laureate's firm commitment to peaceful methods to raise awareness around the world of the plight of his people. Following Koch's words, the Dalai Lama presented a traditional greeting scarf to him and said he was 'very happy' to meet a long time friend. The Dalai Lama also said he was 'very very happy' to be in Germany again and described the purpose of his visit as 'mainly (to give) lecture for Buddhist communities' in the country. |