&sq=&lang=&file=File:Barack_Obama_at_Cairo_University_cropped.jpg) US President Barack Obama delivering his "A New Beginning" speech | |
| Date | June 4, 2009 |
|---|---|
| Time | 13:10 – 14:05 (EGY [UTC+3:00]) |
| Venue | Major Reception Hall at Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt |
| Organised by |
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| Full text | &sq=&lang=&file=File:Wikisource-logo.svg){kind=logo} The full text of "A New Beginning" at Wikisource |
| Website | obamawhitehouse |
"A New Beginning" is the name of a speech delivered by United States President Barack Obama on 4 June 2009, from the Major Reception Hall at Cairo University in Egypt. Al-Azhar University co-hosted the event. The speech honors a promise Obama made during his 2008 presidential campaign to give a major address to Muslims from a Muslim capital during his first few months as president.[1]
White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs indicated that Egypt was chosen because "it is a country that in many ways represents the heart of the Arab world."[2] Egypt is considered a key player in the Middle East peace process as well as a major recipient of American military and economic aid. Reuters reporter Ross Colvin reported that the speech would attempt to mend the United States' relations with the Muslim world, which he wrote were "severely damaged" during the presidency of George W. Bush.[1]
- ^ a b Colvin, Ross (8 May 2009). "Obama to reach out to Muslims in Egypt speech". Reuters. Archived from the original on 11 May 2009. Retrieved 10 May 2009.
- ^ Office of the Press Secretary (8 May 2009). "Briefing by White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs". whitehouse.gov. Retrieved 10 May 2009 – via National Archives.