외교부

Welcoming Remarks by H.E. Hyun Cho

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea

20th Annual Iftar Dinner

March 10, 2026

Ambassador Chafik Rachadi

Dean of the Diplomatic Corps,

Ambassador Abdullah Al-Nuaimi

Dean of the Arab Ambassadors,

Esteemed Colleagues of the Diplomatic Corps in Seoul,

Leaders of the Muslim Community in Korea,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Assalamu Alaikum, 

Wa Ramadan Kareem!

It is both a pleasure and a privilege to welcome you all, as we gather for Iftar during the holy month of Ramadan.

Since 2004, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has hosted this Iftar dinner. This year’s gathering is especially meaningful as we celebrate the 20th anniversary.

For two decades, the Iftar dinner has brought us together through changing times. It is not merely a one-time gathering, however. It stands as a testament to the friendship and trust built over generations.

At a time when profound regional challenges and heartbreaking humanitarian plight weigh heavily upon us, the spirit of Ramadan holds a particular solemn significance.

It calls us back to tolerance, to peace, and above all, to empathy for all others – values that resonate more strongly than ever.

Distinguished Guests,

Our relationship dates back as far as the 9th century, when Muslim merchants first reached the Korean Peninsula during the Silla kingdom. Exchanges flourished further through the Goryeo dynasty in the Middle Ages.

These early ties and mutual understanding laid the foundation for the close relationship between Korea and the Islamic world. Today they continue to guide our vision for the future.

Distinguished Guests,

Since the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza, we have expressed our hope for peace and our sympathy for the innocent civilians suffering across the region, including in Gaza and the West Bank.

It is deeply disheartening that, for a third year, we find ourselves reflecting on yet another unprecedented situation in the Middle East.

Our thoughts are with all civilians affected, and we extend our deepest heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

During this Ramadan, we are reminded of the fundamental teachings of Islam. In this spirit, we sincerely hope that regional peace and stability will soon be restored.

After all, peace is indispensable to everything we hope to build together.

Against this backdrop, the SHINE Initiative was announced by the President Lee Jae Myung in Cairo last year during his first overseas trip to the Middle East. It speaks to Korea’s commitment to the shared peace and prosperity between our two regions.

Distinguished Guests,

In Korean, the word for family, ‘식구’, signifies those who gather around the table to share a meal together. Interestingly, I learned that there is an Arabic equivalent: “Baynana aish wa milh” – which means, as you may know very well, between us there is bread and salt.

As we share this “bread and salt” tonight for the twentieth time, it almost feels as though we have become like family. We share both joys and difficulties, standing together in solidarity to overcome challenges ahead of us.   

This year, for the first time in the twenty-year history of our Iftar dinner, we are also very pleased to introduce K-Halal dishes as part of tonight’s menu. I hope that K-Halal food will further strengthen the connection between Korea and the Islamic world.

Once again, thank you for sharing this evening with us. May this precious time of reflection guide us toward greater tolerance, understanding and lasting peace.

Ramadan Mubarak.