TEMPO.CO, Washington DC - U.S. President Barack Obama on Thursday saluted Muslim Americans for their contributions in helping build the nation as business entrepreneurs, technology innovators and pioneers in medicine.

Obama spoke at a White House dinner as part of the Iftar he hosted to celebrate the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Obama said "Ramadan is a time of reflection, a chance to demonstrate one's devotion to God through prayer and through fasting, but it's also a time for family and friends to come together."

He joined the administrative staff, selected officials, religious figures and members of the diplomatic corps to do Iftar, held for the 5th time at the State Dining Room.

As quoted by Time of July 25 edition, Obama said it is a White House tradition to celebrate sacred days of various faiths, adding that these occasions celebrate diversity that define the country and reaffirm the freedom to worship.

He continued, Americans and people in the Middle East also have a common goal for economic opportunity and entrepreneurship.

"We work a little harder, we aim a little higher and we keep striving to create more opportunity for our children and future generations," Obama said. "Of course this isn't just the American dream; it's the aspiration of people around the world. It's the basic, human desire for progress, to find dignity that comes from work to give our children something better."

TIME I ARBA'IYAH SATRIANI