WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama on Friday cast U.S. military efforts in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan as part of his drive to forge a new relationship between America and the Muslim world.

Relations with the world's 1.5 billion Muslims soured after the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

In a video message to Muslims getting ready for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Obama said U.S. efforts to end the war in Iraq and to isolate extremists in Afghanistan and Pakistan are in keeping with America's responsibility to build a more peaceful and secure world.

He said that also includes U.S. support for a two-state solutionrecognizing the rights of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security.

"All of these efforts are part of America's commitment to engage Muslims and Muslim-majority nations on the basis of mutual interest and mutual respect," Obama said in the message posted on the White House Web site. "And at this time of renewal, I want to reiterate my commitment to a new beginning between America and Muslims around the world."

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