1. In commemoration of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Minister of Foreign Affairs Kang Kyung-wha will host an “Iftar dinner” on May 9 for about 170 people from home and abroad, including the diplomatic corps from the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

2. The “Iftar dinner,” hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on an annual basis since 2004, has served as an opportunity for communication between the Republic of Korea and the Islamic countries. As such, it is seen to have contributed to disseminating the values of cross-cultural understanding and tolerance between the two regions as well as promoting friendly and cooperative ties between the ROK and Islamic countries.

3. In particular, for the first time ever, the upcoming dinner will be joined by the Deputy Head of the Apostolic Nunciature (the Holy See Embassy) in the Republic of Korea to highlight unity and engagement between religions. In addition, Islam-related figures and multi-cultural families in the ROK have also been invited to the dinner. As such, the event is expected to serve as a significant opportunity for Islam-related figures from various sectors, including the academia, media outlets and businesses, to remind themselves of the spirit of Ramadan -- sharing and consideration for others -- and to share with one another the spirit of respect and tolerance.

4. Going forward, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will work in various ways with some 1.8 billion Muslims across the world and the Islamic countries to promote friendship with them, and will communicate closely with them in continued efforts to enhance mutual understanding between people of the ROK and those countries.

* unofficial translation