The prosperity of today's Tibet cannot be achieved without the launching of democratic reform there 50 years ago, said a Tibetan official on Monday.

Nyima Tsering, deputy director of the Standing Committee of Tibet Autonomous Region People's Congress, made the remark in New Zealand's largest city of Auckland when meeting with Auckland Regional Council Chairman Michael Lee.

Nyima Tsering said this years marks the 50th anniversary of the democratic reform in Tibet. In the past 50 years, great changes have taken place in Tibet.

The old Tibet, which was a society of feudal serfdom under theocracy, has been reshaped with success. Tibetans are now longing for social stability, richness and a well-off life, he said.

Nyima Tsering said he, a native Tibetan, along with three other Tibetan delegates, were witnesses, participants and beneficiaries of the successful democratic reform.

He hoped their visit to New Zealand will help New Zealanders have an objective and better understanding of Tibet.

The Tibetan delegation, arrived in Wellington on June 26, left New Zealand on Monday.

Source: Xinhua