The Islamic Cultural Exhibition featuring Arabic calligraphy works, religious artifacts and items, and photographs of celebrated mosques from around Taiwan and abroad is underway at National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in Taipei City.
Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, locally based Chinese Muslim Association, and representative and trade offices of Muslim-majority countries in Taiwan, the 10-day event is expected to further strengthen the country’s bonds with the Islamic world. It is also seen as an invaluable platform for increasing awareness of a religion followed by more than 1 billion people worldwide while promoting intercultural encounters and exchanges.
At the opening ceremony April 9, MOFA Vice Minister Miguel Li-jey Tsao said Taiwan is home to around 250,000 Muslims, comprising 200,000 foreign nationals and 50,000 locals. The government is committed to building a more friendly and inclusive society for those of the Islamic faith, and will continue deepening ties with Muslim-majority countries, he added.
Echoing Tsao’s remarks, Mohammaed bin Abdulkarim al-Issa—secretary general of Saudi Arabia-headquartered Muslim World League—said in a special recorded message that MWL supports exchanges among different religions, cultures and civilizations. Through promoting common values of humankind, the world can be more harmonious and wonderful, he added.
In a tweet on its official Twitter account, the MOFA said “Vice Minister Tsao lent gravitas to the #Islamic Cultural Exhibition opening. His address detailed #Taiwan’s efforts to foster friendship & cooperation with #Muslim-majority societies, as well as heighten local awareness of #Islam. Many thanks to all guests for the great event!”
According to the latest Mastercard-Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index, Taiwan ranks as third-most attractive non-Organisation of Islamic Cooperation destination for Muslim travelers. (DL-E)
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