AYOUB Posted October 27, 2005 Koizumi breaks fast with Muslims Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi hosted a dinner at his office Monday to break the day's fast for diplomats from about 40 Islamic nations, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt. "We hope to further promote friendly relations between Japan and Islamic nations," he said in a speech at the meal, comprising dishes from those countries. Koizumi said he did not eat lunch that day to experience "a bit" of what the Islamic month of Ramadan, during which Muslims cannot eat during the daytime, would be like. The dinner, called "iftar," a feast after sunset during Ramadan, was held to "deepen understanding of Islamic culture with a view to promoting mutual understanding," officials said. Japan depends on the Middle East for more than 90 percent of its oil supplies. The Japan Times: Oct. 25, 2005 © All rights reserved Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
