President Obama praised the Dalai Lama and condemned the Islamic State during his annual address on faith at Thursday’s National Prayer Breakfast.
The Dalai Lama, the Tibetan leader who is an object of attack by the Chinese government, is “a good friend” and “a powerful example of what it means to practice compassion,” Obama said to warm applause.
He “inspires us to speak up for the freedom and dignity of all human beings,” the president said.
China objects to any presidential meeting with the Dalai Lama, calling him a dangerous separatist. Obama and the Dalai Lama — who supports freedom for Tibet — have met privately at the White House; this was the first time they have appeared at the same public event.
A senior White House adviser — Valerie Jarrett —- sat at the Dalai Lama’s table during the president’s remarks.