MOFA Vice Minister Miguel Li-jey Tsao (sixth right) is joined by officials and VIPs during the opening of the Islamic Cultural Exhibition at National Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall April 9 in Taipei City. (MOFA)
 

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)