Japanese PM Abe hosts Iftar

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has hosted Iftar (fast-breaking dinner during the holy month of Ramadan), with 34 representatives from the Islamic Diplomatic Crops in Tokyo attending, the Foreign Ministry said Thursday. In the Iftar dinner held at the premier's office, ambassadors and other officials provided their local cuisines, according to the ministry. "Japan and the Muslim community have common culture which attaches importance to living together with others in the spirit of tolerance," Abe stated in his welcome remarks. "The unbroken bond between Japan and Islamic countries that has been nurtured over a long period of time, through my visits to Islamic countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia since I came to power at the end of last year," he said. The premier also admired Osunaarashi (Great Sandstorm), the first-ever Sumo wrestler from the Islamic world, in attendance, saying that he has attained more wins than losses at the last Grand Sumo Tournament while fasting during the month of Ramadan, and that he is precisely a bridge between Japan and the Muslim community. Abe concluded his remarks by expressing his sincere hope that the Iftar would contribute to further enhancing relations of friendship and cooperation between Japan and the Islamic world. The Egyptian Sumo wrestler Osunaarashi, whose real name is Abdelrahman Ahmed Shaalan, has been praised in Japan for compiling a winning record in the tournament earlier in the month. Speaking as Dean of the Diplomatic Corp of Islamic countries in Japan, Algerian Ambassador Dr. Sid Ali Ketrandji said, the Iftar hosted by Prime Minister has now become a well-established tradition of great signification and it translates the spirit of tolerance and cooperation that nurtures the relationship between Japan and Muslim countries." He expressed his gratitude for Prime Minister Abe's efforts towards reinforcing and broadening of cooperation between Japan and Muslim countries. With the purpose to promote mutual understanding between Japan and the Islamic world, since 2005, the Japanese government has formally hosted the annual diplomatic event. Japan has a minuscule Muslim community, but places much importance on relations with Islamic countries, especially oil producers.