열린장관실

        H.E. Ambassador Vitali Vasilievich Fen, Dean of the DiplomaticCorps,H.E.Ambassador, Moosa Handan Al-Taee, Dean of the Islamic Ambassadors Corps, distinguished guests, ladies and gentleman!

 

        Given the timing of this meal, I would like to make my remarks not too long.

 

        Ramadan Kareem!

 

        It is with great honor that I host this Iftar dinner tonight to commemorate the holy month of Ramadan. This Iftar dinner holds a special significance for many Koreans due to the increased interest in the Islamic faith brought about by the recent hostage incident in Afghanistan.

 

        The sympathy shown by the Islamic world toward the hostages and the pressures of public opinion advocating their release were indeed the decisive force for the release. Muslims in Korea also played a key role through their appeals. The entire nation was deeply moved by visits of the diplomatic corps to the families of the hostages. 

 

        Let me take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude for all the effort and support you have shown to our country.

 

        Ladies and Gentlemen.

 

        The relationship between Korea and the Islamic world dates back to the days of the Shilla dynasty, a kingdom that flourished on the Korean peninsula more than a thousand years ago. Many Muslim merchants had already visited Korea then and some of them are believed to have even settled here. It is also those Muslim merchants who spread the name of this land - Korea- through the Silk Road.

 

        Our relationship continues to this day - expanded and strengthened. The Islamic world is an 
indispensable partner in a variety of fields from economy to culture. In fact, I can say for sure that the Islamic world is an invaluable ally for economic prosperity. It is also significant that the Islamic 
community in Korea is steadily growing.

 

        However, I believe our relationship should be reinforced to become stronger and longer-lasting. To that end, the Korean government is planning to launch an organization called the "Middle East Society." It will promote interest in and understanding of the Islamic world by encouraging academic, cultural, political and economic exchanges. I am confident the Middle East Society will provide the foundation on which to build the next level of our partnership.

 

        I ask for your interest and enthusiasm in the Middle East Society. Let us work together so that this new organization can play the role of locomotive for stepping up cooperation between our two dynamic regions.

 

        Tonight we will contemplate the meaning of Iftar and take another step towards mutual 
understanding: For Iftar is an Islamic custom, but the meal tonight is Korean.