A delegation of Chinese Tibetologists ended their visit to Norway on Monday after exchanging views with the Norwegian public and briefing them on the developments in Tibet.

Norwegian Vice President of the Lower House Olav Gunnar Ballo said that he had learned more about the reality in Tibet through his talks with the Chinese Tibetologists.

Shen Kaiyun, head of the delegation, made a presentation on Tibet's economic and social development, religious freedom and the preservation of traditional Tibetan culture to the hosts.

In fluent English, Dawa Ciren, a researcher in the Tibetan Academy of Social Sciences, also briefed the hosts on the protection of environment and wild lives in Tibet.

During their talks with Egil Lothe, president of Norwegian Buddhist Union, the Chinese Tibetologists also gave an account of religions in today's Tibet.

"There are more than 1,700 temples and 46,000 clergies in Tibet nowadays," Shen said.

"The Chinese government has put a large amount of money to preserve and repair temples, an indication of religious freedom in Tibet," Shen added.

Egil Lothe praised the frank exchange of views between the two countries, saying it helped Norwegians to get a better understanding of Tibet.

During their meeting with officials from the Norwegian Foreign Ministry and University of Oslo, members of the delegation also briefed them on the Chinese government's position and the reality of Tibet.

The Chinese Tibetologists arrived in Oslo on Wednesday for a visit to Norway.

(Xinhua News Agency October 20, 2008)