New Delhi: Back from an important mission to China and Tibet, a two-member delegation, representing spiritual leader Dalai Lama, on September 30 said that they found "much greater flexibility" in the Chinese leadership in solving vexed Tibet issue.

Pointing out that he had met the Chinese leaders in 1980s, Lodi Gyari, special envoy of Dalai Lama who headed the delegation, said in a statement that, "what impressed us more this time was the much greater flexibility displayed by the current leaders in their mental attitude".

The spiritual leader has "welcomed the positive gesture of the leadership in Beijing in receiving our delegation and was very pleased that a renewed contact had been established. He (Dalai Lama) instructed us to make full use of the opportunity created and continue our efforts to advance this process vigorously, which will lead to a mutually acceptable solution", he said.

The delegation visited Beijing, Lhasa, Chengdu, Shanghai and other areas of Tibet and met government and Chinese Communist Party officials and learnt about the progress and developmental projects undertaken in various areas of Tibet.

Stating that they were "impressed" with the dedication and competence displayed by Tibetan officials, Gyari said the purpose of their visit was to "re-establish direct contact" with Beijing and explain Dalai Lama's "middle-way approach towards resolving the Tibet issue".

While the Tibetan delegation drew attention of the Chinese officials towards preserving Tibet's distinct cultural, religious and linguistic heritage, the statement said the officials informed them about the importance they attached to Tibet's delicate environment.

PTI