A delegation of Chinese Tibetan scholars visited Latvia over the weekend for in-depth discussions with the country's parliamentarians, university faculty and students on Xizang's modern development, the inheritance and protection of its rich culture, and wider studies of the region. The visit was organized by China's State Council Information Office.

The delegation, led by Tan Niya, secretary-general of the Xizang Association for Cultural Exchange, included experts and scholars from the Chinese Tibetan Studies Research Center, the University of Electronic Science and Technology, and the Chinese Tibetan Studies magazine.

During a discussion with members of the Latvian Parliament's Friendly Relations Group with China, the delegation presented the theme "Beautiful Xizang", providing a comprehensive overview of Xizang's high-quality development, including population growth, publicly funded education system, comprehensive universal health care (including Tibetan medicine), distinctive agriculture and animal husbandry, ecological conservation, the inheritance and protection of outstanding traditional culture, and new industries and technologies.

The Friendly Relations Group welcomed the delegation and expressed hopes for increasing mutual understanding between China and Latvia. Members of parliament said the Latvian people often form their perceptions of Xizang from North American movies and Western media, which breeds many misconceptions. The parliamentarians added that the delegation's visit would enhance cooperation between Latvia and China, assisting the Latvian people in understanding the real Xizang.

The Faculty of Humanities at the University of Latvia organized a lecture on "Achievements in Chinese Tibetan Studies" for the visiting delegation, highlighting how Xizang's outstanding traditional culture is being inherited and protected despite the tide of social modernization. A first-year doctoral student in Oriental Studies at the University of Latvia, spoke to Xinhua News Agency in Chinese, stating that there were many students majoring in Chinese present at the event. She described the lecture as a valuable exchange between Latvia and China. In addition, the university held an exhibition showcasing the extent of contemporary Xizang's development.

During their visit, the delegation also held discussions on cultural exchanges with Latvian Chinese and friends of China as well as overseas Chinese communities. The delegation will now proceed to Estonia.