And it has raised hopes of co-operation between the United States of America and various Muslim communities.

US Ambassador Steven McGann invited the Muslim community to the Embassy yesterday to watch President Obama deliver his speech for a new beginning in Cairo, Egypt.

Mr McGann said the US is seriously committed to working with people from all races and that it believes in participatory democracy.

In his speech, President Obama said that he had gone to Egypt to seek a new beginning between the US and Muslims around the world, one that is based on mutual interest and respect.

He emphasised on seven issues that he believes need to be confronted in order to ease the tensions between them.

These issues ranged from violent extremism, Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world, the rights and responsibilities of nations on nuclear weapons, democracy, women’s rights and economic development and opportunity.

Also at the gathering is Fiji Muslim League’s vice-president Abdul Qayyum Khan.

“I can say with great confidence that President Obama is the man to trust, when he has promised that he will be bringing peace,” he said.

“We are hoping that the relationships between countries improve and all the misconceptions fade away.”

Fiji Council of Social Services director, Hassan Khan also welcomed the move towards interfaith services and increased assistance.

“What is needed now is for the Muslims to deliver. People can now partner the US and work with, however we will have to see that it is a partnership and we do not become passive receivers of such deals,” said Mr Khan.