U.S. President Barack Obama stressed the importance of protecting the human rights of Tibetans when he met Saturday at the White House with the Dalai Lama.

In a statement following the closed-door talks, the White House said Mr. Obama talked of the need for direct dialogue between the Dalai Lama’s representatives and the Chinese government to resolve differences.

It said the president also reiterated the U.S. policy that Tibet is a part of China.