US President Donald Trump-hosted his first Iftar dinner at the White House, he seeks the co-operation from the Muslim world to gain a future of security and prosperity for all, a move that surprised many in the community after he skipped hosting such a party last year.
Trump, who has frequently engaged in anti-Muslim rhetoric for co-operation from them to achieve a future of security and prosperity for all.
“Only by working together can we achieve a future of security and prosperity for all,” Trump told a gathering of diplomats and officials at the iftar dinner last evening.
“For this reason, I was proud to make my first foreign trip as President to the heart of the Muslim world, where I addressed an assembly of more than 50 leaders of Muslim-majority countries. That was something,” he said.
“The partnership and solidarity that we established over the past year have only deepened with time. So many friendships. So many meetings, even in the Oval Office. And we’ve made a lot of progress, I think, a lot of tremendous progress,” Trump said.
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Trump’s Iftar dinner witnessed the presence of Saudi Ambassador Prince Khalid Ben Salman and Jordanian envoy Dina Kawar. The Indonesian Ambassadors was also seated on the same table.
Envoys from several Muslim countries including the UAE, Egypt, Tunisia, Qatar, Bahrain, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Kuwait, Gambia, Ethiopia, Iraq, and Bosnia were invited.
“A very warm welcome to all of the ambassadors here tonight representing Muslim-majority nations. We’re greatly honoured by your presence, and thank you very much for being here. Some very good friends. To each of you and to the Muslims around the world: Ramadan Mubarak,” Trump said.
Vice President Mike Pence and several of his Cabinet members, including Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross attended the Iftar dinner.
“Tonight, as we enjoy a magnificent dinner at the White House, let us strive to embody the grace and goodwill that mark the Ramadan season. Let us pray for peace and justice, and let us resolve that these values will guide us as we work together to build a bright and prosperous future that does honour and glory to God,” Trump said.
“In gathering together this evening, we honour a sacred tradition of one of the world’s great religions,” he said.
Meanwhile, members of the some of the Muslim groups held their own Iftar outside the White House in protest against the alleged anti-Muslim rhetoric of the Trump administration.
Several Muslim civil rights groups pushed back, organising a “NOT Trump’s Iftar” protest at a park across from the White House. The groups say Trump’s heated rhetoric has contributed to an increase in bullying and discrimination against Muslim Americans
He has also imposed a travel ban, targeting travellers from five countries with overwhelmingly Muslim populations – Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen.
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