The State Department hosted a group of distinguished guests, including ATFP Pres. Dr. Ziad Asali, to commemorate the Muslim holy month of Ramadan at their annual Iftar dinner on Wednesday, July 24, 2013.

Secretary of State John Kerry, just back from his Middle East trip, welcomed officials from the Obama Administration and leading figures from the Muslim-American community to commemorate the holy month of Ramadan alongside him.

During his address, Kerry discussed the importance of religious tolerance, freedom, and cooperation. Kerry cited the need to transcend religious differences and find common ground for the sake of peace, prosperity and a better global future.

Kerry also emphasized the pressing need to achieve a peace agreement between Israel and Palestine and said that the necessity for this has “never been greater than it is today.”

Dr. Asali is pictured sitting to the right of Secretary of State Kerry at the dinner table.

For the complete text and video of Sec. Kerry's remarks, click here.