The US President George W. Bush hosted here on Monday evening an "Iftar" party on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan. The party was attended by Prince Turki Al-Faisal, the Saudi ambassador to the US, as well as Arab and Muslim ambassadors to the US and a number of prominent Islamic figures.
Welcoming Prince Turki Al-Faisal, President Bush conveyed his greetings to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, the Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General.
Speaking on the occasion, President Bush congratulated the Muslims throughout the world on the occasion of the blessed month of Ramadan, and pointed out that the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) in this blessed month.
President Bush said more than one billion Muslims have been celebrating this blessed month.
He noted that Americans of different backgrounds are keen to learn about the rich Islamic heritage.
"I have encouraged so many American families to visit Muslim families, and at the same time I have called on the American youth to study the languages and traditions of the Middle East", he said.
President Bush announced that, for the first time in the history of the US, he has decided to add a copy of the Holy Quran to the library of the White House.
"I do appreciate the role of the Muslim nations, which have joined our alliance to fight terrorism, including the nations which they themselves have been victims of terrorism", he said adding that: "At a time when we work together to defeat terrorism, we should be very clear about the enemy we are confronting".
Bush said a large number of Muslim scholars had condemned terrorism.
"It is high time for the Muslim leaders to condemn the ideology which exploits Islam for purposes that defame Islam. Moreover, the spread of justice and tolerance will lead to peace which we are trying to realize", the President said.
Bush said this occasion provides a good opportunity for the renewal of bonds of friendship between the US and the Muslim world, and to learn from each other.
Prince Turki Al-Faisal arrived in Washington on Saturday and started work at the Saudi embassy on Monday.
