Obama hosts Ramadan dinner at White House

Washington, Sep 2: US President Barack Obama praised Islam and American Muslims for enriching the nation's culture during Ramadan dinner hosted by him on Tuesday, Sep 1, at the White House.

"Together, we have a responsibility to foster engagement grounded in mutual interest and mutual respect. And that's one of my fundamental commitments as President, both at home and abroad," Obama said.

Obama said, "That is central to the new beginning that I've sought between the United States and Muslims around the world. And that is a commitment that we can renew once again during this holy season."

"Tonight, we celebrate a great religion, and its commitment to justice and progress. We honour the contributions of America's Muslims, and the positive example that so many of them set through their own lives. And we rededicate ourselves to the work of building a better and more hopeful world," he said.

Nearly two dozen Ambassadors were invited including Indian ambassador to the US Meera Shankar, lawmakers, his cabinet colleagues and eminent American Muslim leaders.

"And that is why I am so pleased that we are joined tonight not only by so many outstanding Muslim Americans and representatives of the diplomatic corps, but people of many faiths -- Christians, Jews, and Hindus -- along with so many prominent Muslims," Obama said.

OneIndia News