US Ambassador James B. Smith congratulated King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Saudi people and all Muslims on the start of the holy month of Ramadan, wishing them a month of peace and prosperity. In a message issued on the occasion, Ambassador Smith praised the Saudi people's hospitality and charitable spirit, saying that “the hospitality extended by the Saudi people during this holy month toward Muslims and non-Muslims alike reminds us all of the importance of community, tolerance and respect for one another.” He also thanked Saudi people for making him and his wife “feel at home, especially during Ramadan.” Excerpts from Ambassador Smith's Ramadan message: “As the US Ambassador to the Kingdom and on behalf of President Obama, I would like to wish King Abdullah, the people of Saudi Arabia, and Muslims in the Kingdom and around the world my warmest Ramadan greetings and, Ramadan Kareem. “Ramadan is a special month for the world's 1.5 billion Muslims who use this time for reflection, devotion to God, and giving charitably to their communities. It is a thoughtful period, as Muslims spend less time on everyday concerns and concentrate more fully on faith and family. The observance of Ramadan by more than six million Muslims who have made America their home illustrates how the United States respects and honors Islam, as it does people of all faiths. The Iftars hosted at the White House, our State Department, and embassies around the world are just one way in which we express our appreciation for the contributions of our Muslim colleagues everywhere who nurture and support our common human heritage. “This is the second Ramadan that my wife Janet and I have been privileged to spend in the Kingdom. We are welcomed by the warm and gracious hospitality of the Saudi people and are reminded again of the richness of your cultural tapestry. We have been touched by the kindness of our Saudi friends who have opened their homes – and hearts – to us. We thank you for helping make us feel at home, especially during Ramadan.”
