President Obama has just finished his first meeting as president with the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader. The session, held in the Map Room at the White House, lasted more than an hour.

The White House downplayed the meeting in an effort not to further anger China, which considers the Buddhist monk to be a separatist.

White House press secretary Robert Gibbs issued this statement after the meeting:

"The President met this morning at the White House with His Holiness the XIV Dalai Lama. The President stated his strong support for the preservation of Tibet's unique religious, cultural and linguistic identity and the protection of human rights for Tibetans in the People's Republic of China. The President commended the Dalai Lama's "Middle Way" approach, his commitment to nonviolence and his pursuit of dialogue with the Chinese government. The President stressed that he has consistently encouraged both sides to engage in direct dialogue to resolve differences and was pleased to hear about the recent resumption of talks. The President and the Dalai Lama agreed on the importance of a positive and cooperative relationship between the United States and China."

The Dalai Lama, who braved Washington's cold winds in his traditional robe and sandals to speak to reporters outside the White House, said he was "very happy" with the meeting.

He said he and Obama discussed the concerns of the Tibetan people, the promotion of greater leadership roles for women around the globe and religious tolerance.

(Posted by Mimi Hall)