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On June 3, 2019, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe hosted an Iftar with the Islamic Diplomatic Corps in Japan at the Prime Minister’s Office.
 
The Prime Minister said in his opening address,
 
“Assalam alaikum. Ramadan Mubarak. Iftar is an indispensable event for the Muslims, in which you gather with not only your families but also your friends and enjoy dinner after sunset during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Today, I am delighted to invite the Islamic Diplomatic Corps, Japan’s important friends, to the Prime Minister’s Office and hold an Iftar together with all of you.
 
As you are aware, I have valued Japan’s relationship with Islamic countries since I was inaugurated as the Prime Minister. I have put efforts to cultivate a comprehensive relationship with your countries in a wide array of fields such as politics, the economy, culture, and person-to-person exchanges. As I hold talks with the leaders of Islamic countries and deepen our friendship, I am feeling that Japan and Islamic countries share the spirit of ‘the best way is in the middle.’    
 
On May 1, His Majesty the Emperor acceded to the Imperial Throne, and the new era of Reiwa began. The era name, ‘Reiwa,’ includes the meaning of culture coming into being and flourishing when people bring their hearts and minds together in a beautiful manner. In the new era of Reiwa, I hope that exchanges between Japan and Islamic countries will flourish even further.
 
This summer, Japan will host TICAD 7 (7th Tokyo International Conference on African Development), followed by the Rugby World Cup to be held this autumn; next year, the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games will finally take place. In particular, on October 22 this year, the Sokuirei-Seiden-no-gi (Ceremony of the Enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor at the Seiden [State Hall]) to proclaim the enthronement to those at home and abroad will be held. We strongly hope that the heads of state will visit Japan on this occasion, and I would like to ask the ambassadors gathering here for your further efforts.
 
Today, those who have close ties with Islamic countries come together from the Government and the Diet to welcome the ambassadors of Islamic countries. Despite the House of Councillors election coming up this summer, the members of the ruling parties and opposition parties are joining us together in a friendly atmosphere. I believe this is a testament to the wishes of Japan as a whole to deepen its friendship and relationship further with Islamic countries across party lines. I would like to conclude my remarks by expressing my wish that this occasion with our important friends of Islam tonight will be an opportunity to further deepen our friendly relations. Thank you very much.”