US President Barack Obama has strongly supported the move to build a mosque at Ground Zero in New York, saying US commitment to religious freedom must be unshakeable.

"Let me be clear: as a citizen, and as President, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country. "That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community centre on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances," Obama said in his remarks at a Iftaar dinner hosted by him at the White House.