White House: President Obama and Bernie Sanders to Meet Thursday

— -- President Barack Obama will meet with Bernie Sanders on Thursday, the White House announced late Tuesday night.

The meeting was announced following Sanders' projected wins by The AP in the North Dakota Democratic caucuses and the Montana Democratic primary, and after Hillary Clinton's projected wins in New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota. The winner of the California primary had not yet been projected.

The White House statement appeared to ratify Hillary Clinton's claim to the nomination: "The President congratulated Secretary Clinton for securing the delegates necessary to clinch the Democratic Nomination for President," the statement, issued by the White House press secretary, read.

According to the statement, President Obama called both Clinton and Sanders, and "congratulated both candidates for running inspiring campaigns that have energized Democrats, brought a new generation of Americans into the political process, and shined a spotlight on important policy ideas aimed at making sure our economy and our politics work for everybody, not just those with wealth and power."

Obama "thanked Senator Sanders for energizing millions of Americans with his commitment to issues like fighting economic inequality and special interests' influence on our politics."

The pair will meet at the White House this week, according to the statement. "At Senator Sanders' request, the President and Senator Sanders will meet at the White House on Thursday to continue their conversation about the significant issues at stake in this election that matter most to America's working families."

The statement continues, "The President looks forward to continuing the conversation with Senator Sanders about how to build on the extraordinary work he has done to engage millions of Democratic voters, and to build on that enthusiasm in the weeks and months ahead."