Iftar with the Islamic Diplomatic Corps in Japan
March 30, 2023
[Provisional translation]
On March 30, 2023, Prime Minister Kishida hosted an Iftar with the Islamic Diplomatic Corps in Japan at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence.
Prime Minister Kishida said in his opening address,
“I am KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan. Ladies and gentlemen, Ramadan Mubarak.
Today, I am delighted to invite the Islamic Diplomatic Corps, Japan’s important friends, and various parliamentary friendship associations and other distinguished guests to the Prime Minister’s Official Residence and hold an Iftar for the first time in four years.
For long years since my tenure as Foreign Minister, I have valued Japan’s relations with the Islamic world, which spans from Southeast Asia to the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa, and Europe, and strived to enhance the relationship between Japan and the Islamic world. Since I assumed the post of Prime Minister, I have made efforts to hold numerous dialogues with the leader of each country to deepen our ties of trust and friendship on such occasions as the Eighth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 8), my visits to Southeast Asia, and telephone meetings.
Having experienced the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the international community is at a turning point in history. Now is the time to lead the international community in the direction of cooperation, rather than division and confrontation. I believe that the spirit of cherishing harmony and tolerance, which Japan and Islamic countries share, is more crucial than ever.
In this regard, a New Plan for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP), which I announced the other day, is an important tool. The FOIP vision respects inclusiveness and diversity. This plans puts forward four new pillars, making clear Japan’s stance of expanding cooperation with each region and each country. Japan will strengthen its collaboration with all of you, that is, Islamic countries, while pushing ahead with its initiatives.
I would like to conclude my remarks by expressing my sincere wish that this occasion with our important Muslim friends tonight will be an opportunity to further deepen the friendly relations between Japan and Islamic nations.”
