WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) – Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi on Tuesday congratulated the Dalai Lama on his 75th birthday.

“Today marks the 75th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Tibetans inside and outside Tibet, along with Tibetan supporters all around the world, will be celebrating this occasion and honoring a man of peace and wisdom,” Pelosi said, recognizing the Dalai Lama’s work in Tibet, making the human rights situation in the region an international concern.

“His Holiness often describes himself as a ‘simple monk, no more, no less.’ But His Holiness represents much more to many people around the world. For thousands, he is a source of spiritual refuge and a connection to inner peace and harmony. He has traveled the world, building bridges between the different faiths. He has used his position to promote wisdom, compassion, and non-violence as a solution – not only in Tibet – but to other world conflicts.”

Pelosi also acknowledged the Dalai Lama’s “willingness” to visit China in order to discuss and resolve issues.

“I am proud to say the U.S. Congress has been a bedrock of support for the Tibetan cause. In 2007, I stood with President Bush to award the Congressional Gold Medal to His Holiness the Dalai Lama for his ‘many enduring and outstanding contributions to peace, non-violence, human rights, and religious understanding,” Pelosi added.

“On the 75th birthday of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, I offer my continued appreciation of his life’s work promoting compassion, peace, and human rights for all of the people of the world.”

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