The Netherlands ambassador to China Philip De Heer commended in Lhasa Friday the Tibet Autonomous Regional government's efforts to protect Tibetan culture.

"The local government of Tibet Autonomous Region has committed so much to the protection of Tibetan culture," De Heer said. De Heer and his wife arrived in Lhasa on Oct. 5 for a visit to Tibet. 　　

De Heer said Tibet was quite different from his expectations and the profound Tibetan culture had made a deep impression on him.

Tudain Cewang, executive vice-chairman of Tibet Autonomous Region, met with the ambassador and briefed him on the economic, social, cultural conditions and the efforts by the local government to protect historic architecture.

(Xinhua News Agency October 11, 2003)