Dr. Sayyid M. Syeed, Secretary General, ISNA, on the San Francisco meeting between the Muslims and the Dalai Lama

The Tibetans and the Kashmiris have always been reminded that coming from the roof of the world, they should represent the highest human ideals. This may be the reason why God has been testing them the most. They may look down upon the rest of the world from the highest altitude but always with modesty and humility, the most valued virtues in both Buddhism and Islam.

The early memories of a pleasant historical relationship between my birth place Kashmir and Tibet have always been a source of inspiration. Tibet has been a welcoming host to Kashmiri Muslim immigrants throughout history. The Buddhist hospitality always opened arms of welcome to refugees seeking escape from different tyrants who have occupied the valley from time to time.

It is an irony of history that both Tibet and Kashmir have shared a recent experience of neighborly occupation for more than half of a century. It is during this period that Hon. Dalai Lama's role as a leader of non-violent resistance to occupation has inspired many of our generation in Kashmir.

In America today, where the emerging Muslim community is taking the role of a bridge-builder between our home country US and the rest of the Muslim world, it is refreshing to have a conversation with Hon. Dalai Lama. In a world torn by religious extremism, coming from different religious traditions, we stand committed to respect for religious diversity. This demands that we constantly explore sharing and strengthening the pluralist and tolerant traditions of all religions. Hon. Dalai Lama's whole life has been dedicated to this mission and we welcome the opportunity of being with him.