WASHINGTON - THE US State Department on Friday announced the nomination of Indian-born Farah Pandith as a new envoy to deal with the Muslim world.

Ms Pandith will 'be responsible for executing the administration's efforts to engage with Muslims around the world on a people-to-people and organisational level,' the department said in a statement.

'I am pleased to announce the appointment of Farah Pandith to serve as Special Representative to Muslim Communities,' Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said in the statement.

'Farah brings years of experience to the job, and she will play a leading role in our efforts to engage Muslims around the world.' Ms Pandith immigrated to the United States as a child from Indian Kashmir's summer capital, Srinagar. Previously she worked in the European bureau as a special adviser for outreach to Muslim communities in Europe.

'She has said that she sees her personal experience as an illustration of how Muslim immigrants to the US can successfully integrate themselves into American society,' the statement added.

State Department spokesman Ian Kelly confirmed on Thursday that Ms Pandith had been appointed, and promised a statement later.

In his inauguration speech on Jan 20, President Barack Obama vowed to seek a 'new way forward' with the Muslim world 'based on mutual interest and respect,' after eight rocky years under his predecessor George W. Bush. -- AFP