US President Donald Trump hosted an iftar dinner at the White House on Monday to mark the holy month of Ramzan.
The dinner was attended by Turkish ambassador Serdar Kilic and members of the diplomatic corps representing nations with large Muslim populations.
"Ramzan is a holy month for Muslims here in the United States and all across the world," Trump said.
"Ramzan is a time when people join forces in pursuit of hope, tolerance and peace," he added.
In his remarks, the president also recalled recent attacks on places of worship, citing the New Zealand mosque attacks, the attacks on Christians in Sri Lanka and the synagogue attacks in Pittsburgh and California.
"In their blessed memory, we resolve to defeat the evils of terrorism and religious persecution so that all people can worship without fear, pray without danger, and live by the faith that flows from their heart," Trump said.
"Wish all the people around the world Ramzan Kareem," he said, concluding his speech.
