RI ENVOY ATTENDS IFTAR DINNER HOSTED BY OBAMA

New York, Sept. 2 (ANTARA) - Indonesian Ambassador to the United States Sudjadnan Parnohadingrat attended an Iftar dinner to break the fast during the fasting month of Ramadan hosted by President Barack Obama at the White House, in Washington DC, on Tuesday evening.

The Iftar dinner was attended by around 90 guests comprising among others foreign ambassadors from Muslim-majority countries and prominent US Muslims, Ambassador Sudjadnan told ANTARA in New York on the phone.

US high ranking officials such as Defense Secretary Robert Gates, Health Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Attorney General Eric Holder were also present at the Iftar dinner.

On the occasion, President Obama also greeted and shook hands with his guests, including Ambassador Sudjadnan.

"As usual, he responded to our greeting in the Indonesian language. He said 'Kabar saya baik' (I am fine). He also sent his regards to the President (Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono)," the Indonesian ambassador said.

Sudhadnan said he came to the Iftar dinner wearing a traditional batik shirt and Obama noticed it, saying "your batik shirt is good."
On the occasion, President Barack Obama in his speech expressed appreciation for Muslims in the United States who he said were making great contributions to society.

"For well over a billion Muslims, Ramadan is a time of intense devotion and reflection," Obama said, in remarks welcoming his guests in the State Dining Room of the White House.

"Tonight's Iftar is a ritual that is being carried out this Ramadan at kitchen tables and mosques in all 50 states," Obama said.

"Islam as we know is part of America. Like the broader American citizenry, the American Muslim community is one of extraordinary dynamism and diversity.

"On this occasion, we celebrate the holy month of Ramadan and we also celebrate how much Muslims have enriched America and its culture in ways both large and small," the president said.

In a message marking Ramadan last week, Obama pledged "concrete actions" to renew ties with Islamic countries, less than three months after his historic address to the Muslim world in Cairo.

"I want to reiterate my commitment to a new beginning between America and Muslims around the world," Obama said in a video address posted as the world's estimated 1.5 billion Muslims prepared for a month of fasting and reflection.