U.S. Embassy representatives, present at the first Iftar dinner in Constanta

On July 11th, 2013, Democratic Union of Turkish-Muslim Tatars in Romania (DUTMTR) hosted the first traditional Iftar dinner in the presence of two representatives of the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest: Kendra Pace and Rodica Bârlănescu of the Political Section of the diplomatic mission.

As stated in a press release until the fast started, the two representatives had a brief meeting with DUTMTR President, Gelil Eserghep, and other members of the union leadership. Representatives of the Muslim Cult in Romania performed the start of the fast with a short religious ceremony. Later, they serve traditional Tatar dishes.

This was the first visit of Kendra Pace in Constanta, amidst the Tatar community. U.S. diplomat arrived in Bucharest two months ago and stays there for two years. In his message to the Muslim community, Kendra Pace said: "Tonight, my colleagues in embassies around the world, Muslim or other religions will participate in such events, with the aim to reflect on shared values ​​of hope and good will, feelings that we all share. In communities across the United States, families and friends will gather to walk together in this Holy Month. Ramadan has a profound significance for the 1.5 billion Muslims around the world. At the same time, this moment is also a good opportunity for the people of all religions to remember about justice, equality and compassion, values ​​that all major religions share. Now, when we celebrate this important event of the year, I would like to thank all those who contribute to continue dialogue and promote mutual respect between the United States and Muslim communities around the world, so that together we can create a new era of understanding and cooperation between people".

In this context, the DUTMTR President and members of Union leadership expressed the joy of having such prominent guest from the U.S. Embassy in an important moment like this one. "We are very glad that we, Tatars of Romania, through the efforts we make, through the actions we undertake, we contribute to further dialogue and we promote mutual respect between the United States and Muslim communities around the world so that together we can create a new era of understanding and cooperation between people, as stated Mrs. Kendra Pace. The presence of the two ladies at the traditional Iftar dinner, on the first day of the Holy Month of Ramadan, can only encourage and motivate us in our future efforts. United States have always had an "open door" for the Muslim community in Romania and we can only be glad that we, the people of Dobroudjea, regardless of ethnicity, regardless of religion, we've always been and looked with admiration as a nationwide and internationally example, in terms of multiculturalism", said DUTMTR President, Gelil Eserghep.

According to a press release, discussions between DUTMTR representatives and the guests have been focused on issues related to the Union and the cultural and spiritual traditions of the Tatar community in Dobroudjea. The event was attended by DUTMTR Deputy Varol Amet, deputy prefect of Constanta Iucsel Selamet and Mufti Muurat Yusuf.