World Can't Repay Tibetans' Contribution: Richard Gere

Hollywood star and Tibet supporter Richard Gere, who was here to met their Prime Minister (Kalon Tripa) Lobsang Sangay, said that Tibetans have made a significant contribution to the world which cannot be repaid.

"The hearts of the Tibetan people have remained unchanged. The three generations of Tibetans have done very well, especially in education and health. Tibetans must remain strong and united in their struggle for a free Tibet. We consider you as the best of who you are. We can never repay what Tibetans have contributed to the world," said the 62-year old actor.

Gere was speaking at an exclusive interactive session with staff members of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) in the exile seat of Dharamshala on Wednesday.

Sangay described Gere as a weather-tested friend of Tibet, adding that the international star's passion for Tibet is well-known to the extent that it jeopardises his film career with a semi-ban on his visit to China.

"Though Gere was born as an American, but he is very much Tibetan at heart," said Sangay.

Gere is a close friend of the Dalai Lama and is a regular visitor to Dharamsala. He is directly attached to many development projects of Tibetans in exile.

Gere is globally known for his popular Hollywood movies like An Officer and a Gentleman, Pretty Woman and Chicago.