On July 16, 2011, His Holiness had a meeting with President Barrack Obama at the White House. It lasted for around 45 minutes. Special Envoy Lodi Gyari, Representative Lobsang Nyandak Zayul, and Secretary Tenzin N. Taklha accompanied His Holiness.
On his return to the hotel after the meeting, His Holiness gave a brief reaction to some media personnel waiting there. He said that President Obama showed concern about basic human values, human rights and freedom. Naturally, His Holiness added, he showed genuine concern about suffering in Tibet and also other places. It was wonderful, he added.
Following the meeting, the White House released the following statement as well as a photo.
“Statement from the Press Secretary on the President’s Meeting with His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama
“The President met this morning at the White House with His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama. The President reiterated his strong support for the preservation of the unique religious, cultural, and linguistic traditions of Tibet and the Tibetan people throughout the world. He underscored the importance of the protection of human rights of Tibetans in China. The President commended the Dalai Lama’s commitment to nonviolence and dialogue with China and his pursuit of the “Middle Way” approach. Reiterating the U.S. policy that Tibet is a part of the People’s Republic of China and the United States does not support independence for Tibet, the President stressed that he encourages direct dialogue to resolve long-standing differences and that a dialogue that produces results would be positive for China and Tibetans. The President stressed the importance he attaches to building a U.S.-China cooperative partnership. The Dalai Lama stated that he is not seeking independence for Tibet and hopes that dialogue between his representatives and the Chinese government can soon resume.”
