Barcelona, 11 September - His Holiness the Dalai Lama today inaugurated the new Tibet House Foundation building in Barcelona. He cut the ribbon and cast flower petals at entrance of the new building as large number of Tibetans as their supporters looked on.

His Holiness later blessed the opening of the building and performed prayer with monks from Sera and other monasteries before having a private talk session with members and sponsors of Tibet House Foundation, which was followed by another talk to members of Tibetan Community of Spain. In his talk he said the house should be used as academic center where people can learn about Buddhism, academicians like scientists and Buddhist philosophers can interact with each other.

Later in the day His Holiness met with the archbishop of Barcelona, Lluís Martinez Sistachs at the Episcopal Palace of Barcelona. They discussed "matters relating to spiritualism and the need for interfaith dialogue, as well as collaboration between Catholics and Buddhists," Martinez Sistachs is learned to have said.

His Holiness will be leaving for Lisbon, Portugal on Wednesday.