Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Prime Minister KISHIDA Fumio hosted a Ramadan Iftar on Monday, with around 25 Japan-based ambassadors and heads of Islamic missions attending. 

The event, described as a “networking night,” was held at the official Prime Minister’s Office in Tokyo and guests were offered an Iftar meal.

Diplomats attending the event included the ambassadors of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Iraq, Lebanon, Morocco, Egypt, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen, Algeria, and Palestine.

Prime Minister Kishida welcomed his “invaluable friends” from the various Muslim countries, as well as members of the respective parliamentary associations linked with those countries.

“Throughout the course of its long history, the Islamic world has incorporated things that were not part of its own world and in the spirit of harmonization and tolerance, it has translated those things into part of their own rich and diverse societies and cultures,” Kishida told his audience. “Japan has always embraced our ties with such Islamic societies. I, for one, have visited numerous Muslim countries and have sought to deepen the bonds of trust and friendship through dialogues with their leaders.”

The Japanese Prime Minister reminded his guests about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which he termed “a dangerous situation,” adding, “The life and dignity of every human being should be equally honored and protected. Our hearts are with the ordinary citizens who are still suffering at this very moment in Palestine.”

“Today, the world stands at an important point in history. Against such a backdrop, it is more important than ever before that Japan and Muslim countries work hand in hand with each other and advance our mutual cooperation.”

Kishida pointed out that Japan has worked hard to try and reduce tensions in the conflict, and has continued to provide humanitarian aid. Japan, he said, would continue to work with Muslim countries “to realize a world where a Palestinian state can coexist with Israel.”

In closing, he wished everyone peace and prosperity. 

The Saudi Arabian Embassy in Japan posted a photo on X, formerly known as Twitter, showing Ambassador Dr. Ghazi bin Faisal Binzagr and his wife, Mrs. Mahmoud at the Ramadan iftar ceremony held by the Prime Minister.

حضر سعادة السفير د. غازي بن زقر والسيدة حرمه حفل الإفطار الرمضاني الذي أقامه رئيس الوزراء الياباني السيد/ فوميو كيشيدا للبعثات الدبلوماسية للدول المسلمة المعتمدة لدى #اليابان. pic.twitter.com/4aAHVIOSP2

— السفارة في اليابان (@KSAembassyJP) April 2, 2024