By Phuntsok Yangchen
DHARAMSHALA, February 06: The US President Barack Obama appeared for the first time in public with the Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama at the 62nd annual National Prayer Breakfast at Washington DC.
In his address to the gathering, Obama referred to the exiled Tibetan leader as “ a good friend”. “I want to offer a special welcome to a good friend, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who is a powerful example of what it means to practice compassion, who inspires us to speak up for the freedom and dignity of all human beings,” said Obama while bowing to greet the 79-year-old Tibetan Nobel laureate.
The National Prayer Breakfast is held in Washington DC on the first Thursday of February every year, hosted by members of the United States Congress and organized by The Fellowship Foundation.
The event is an annual gathering for religious leaders since 1953. Over 3,000 people attended this year’s prayer breakfast.
“I’ve been pleased to welcome him to the White House on many occasions, and we’re grateful that he’s able to join us here today,” added Obama.
This is the two leaders’ fourth meeting. The US President had earlier received the Dalai Lama three times in the Map Room of the White House instead of the Oval Office, where most foreign leaders meet with the President.
The Dalai Lama was seated in the audience in the front row with Senior Obama Advisor Valerie Jarrett, which many see as an indication of support from the White House for his presence.
China, which denounces the Dalai Lama calling him a “splittist” and “a monk in wolf’s clothing”, opposed the two leaders meeting saying it was “a gross interference in China’s domestic politics.” “It is a severe violation of the principles of international relations. It will inflict grave damages upon the China-US relationship,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson.
Welcoming the remarks made by the President Obama about the Dalai Lama, Tibetan Prime Minister Dr. Lobsang Sangay said, “We thank President Obama for offering a special welcome to His Holiness the Dalai Lama and we believe that His Holiness’ commitment towards promotion of harmony among world religions and secular ethics will bear positive impact on the humanity. The meeting reflects the American government and people’s continued commitment to freedom and democracy.”
His Holiness will visit Switzerland and Denmark from February 7-12 where he is scheduled to give Buddhist teachings and public talks.
