Tibet Autonomous Region Chairman Qiangba Punco met with the 11th Panchen Lama, Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, Thursday morning in Xigaza.

Qiangba expressed his best wishes to the 11th Panchen Lama on behalf of Tibetan Communist Party of China (CPC) committee and the autonomous regional government.

He said it is good news to all Tibetan religious believers that the 11th Panchen Lama is healthily growing up and has a good academic record.

Qiangba said Tibet now faces its greatest developing opportunity, and the economy of the autonomous region rapidly grows with the support of the central government and the mutual efforts of all the people.

The 11th Panchen Lama expressed his gratitude to Qiangba, saying he is happy to see the booming economy and rising quality of people's life.

"I have deeply felt the religious freedom in Tibet through the series of Buddhist rituals and services in Xigaza during the past two days," he said.

The 11th Panchen Lama was born on Feb. 13, 1990 in Lhari county of Tibet. The Chinese government enthroned him at Zhaxi Lhunbo Lamasery on Dec. 8, 1995.