Obama says committed to broad engagement with Muslims
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Ankara, April 7, IRNA -- US President Barack Obama said he is committed to opening a new chapter in American engagement with the Muslim world.
Obama told a group of students in Istanbul that he wanted to rebuild the relationship between the US and the Muslim world.
"I believe we can have a dialogue that's open, vibrant and grounded in respect. And I want you to know that I am personally committed to a new chapter in American engagement," he said.
Obama expressed his deep appreciation for the Islamic faith and said the US had been enriched by Muslim Americans.
"Many other Americans have Muslims in their family, or have lived in a Muslim-majority country - I know, because I am one of them."
"And when people look back on this time, let it be said of America that we extended the hand of friendship," he added.
Obama rejected the stereotype that America is selfish and crass. "I'm here to tell you that's not the country I know and not the country I love," the president said.
"America, like every other nation, has made mistakes and has its flaws, but for more than two centuries it has strived" to seek a more perfect union.
Obama made those opening remarks before taking questions, telling students he would keep the session short because of the Muslim call to prayer.
"We can't afford to talk past one another and focus only on our differences, or to let the walls of mistrust go up around us."
Obama told the college students he sees nothing wrong with setting his sights high on goals such as mending relations with Iran and eliminating the world of nuclear options -- two cornerstone issues of his trip.
"Some people say that maybe I'm being too idealistic," Obama said.
"But if we don't try, if we don't reach high, we won't make any progress."
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