Tokyo, Abe hosts iftar to revive dialogue with Islamic world
Tokyo (AsiaNews) - Japanese Prime Minister invited diplomatic representatives of Islamic
countries to an iftar, the
ritual meal that breaks
the fast of Ramadan, with the stated aim of "deepening
mutual understanding between Japan and Muslim
nations." The Prime Minister
has expressed his desire to "soon"
visit to these countries, emphasizing the "continuous bonds" that unite Tokyo and
the Middle East.
The prime minister has presented guests to Osunaarashi,
the first non-Japanese sumo wrestler
to reach the rank of "sekitori" (the highest level in the two major
Japanese divisions), whose real name is
Abdelrahman Ahmed Shaalan [left in photo while shaking Abe's hand
note].
The wrestler comes from Egypt, and is a practicing
Muslim won
the Grand Tournament in Nagoya last month despite being in the middle of Ramadan. According to Abe,
Shaalan "should be taken as an example. He can be a bridge of understanding and dialogue between
the Japanese and
the Islamic world."
Ketrandji Ali, the Algeria Ambassador to Japan,
led the delegation present at the Prime Minister's office for dinner.
The diplomat said the "Our
two worlds have a lot in common. Hopefully we can develop a fruitful partnership for all in the economic, social and
scientific spheres."