Prime Minister Noda hosted an "Iftar" (fast-breaking dinner during the Holy Month of Ramadan)

August 1, 2012
Japanese

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda hosted an Iftar (fast-breaking dinner during the Holy Month of Ramadan) for the Ambassadors of Islamic nations and other officials at the Prime Minister's Office on Wednesday, August 1. Around 34 representatives from the Islamic Diplomatic Corps in Tokyo participated in this dinner and provided their local dishes.
Prime Minister Noda stated that one of the reasons why Islam has been accepted among different ethnicities in different countries was a spirit of "tolerance of diversity", and that this spirit, as well as the promotion of mutual understanding among different civilizations, has become even more important for the realization of peace and stability in the world. Prime Minister Noda also mentioned that he hoped this Iftar would further contribute to the strengthening of the mutual understanding between Japan and the Islamic world.
Speaking as a representative of the Ambassadors of Islamic nations in Japan, H.E. Dr. Sid Ali Ketrandji, Ambassador of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria to Japan, said that the vivid spirit of tolerance and respect for other cultures and civilizations characterizes the Japanese people and society, and that it is also an essential feature of Islamic teaching. He also stated that Japan and the Islamic world can work closely together through solid and diversified partnerships not only for their mutual benefit, but also for the benefit of the entire international society.

(*This is a provisional translation. The date indicated above denotes the date of issue of the original press release in Japanese.)

(END)