SEOUL, 12 October 2007 — In the wake of the recent hostage situation in Afghanistan this summer, this year’s Ramadan feels quite different from the past ones, a South Korean minister said yesterday.
“To the followers of Islam, the holy month of Ramadan is indeed sacred and meaningful, but most Koreans are generally unfamiliar with Ramadan and thus do not take great interest in it. However, I hope that this Ramadan will be an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the Islamic world and its culture as well as the rapidly growing Muslim community in Korea,” said Song Min-soon, minister of foreign affairs and trade.
Scientific terms with Arabic origin are vivid examples of the rich Islamic history, culture and civilization.
Furthermore, given that we import 82 percent of our crude oil and 60 percent of LNG gas from the Middle East, the number increasing to 90 percent if we include Islamic countries in Central Asia and Southeast Asia, he added.
Along with a sizable trade and commerce relations, the Islamic world is essential to our economic prosperity. Notwithstanding the importance, we have thus far been somewhat indifferent to Islam and, at times, have perceived it through a distorted lens, he said.
With the imagery, “Qur’an in one hand and scimitar (curved sword) in the other,” imprinted on our minds, we have formed a bias toward Islam viewing it as aggressive and unwittingly associate it with some terrorist acts.
To jettison such bias and gain a more balanced perspective, we must have a better understanding of Islam. In order to join the ranks of the world’s leading countries, we need to diversity cooperative relations with various civilizations. A balanced perspective is a must in that regard, he said.
In an effort to better understand Islam, we need to take more interest in it and build a broader foundation for Islamic studies. Compared with the strategic interests we hold toward the Islamic world, however, our overall knowledge and network basis is acutely insufficient.
A lack of specialists on Islam or the Middle East within the government as well as in business or the academic world has long been criticized.
To enhance our understanding and increase exchanges with the Middle East and the Islamic countries, the Korean government is planning to launch an organization called the “Middle East Society” at the end of this year in collaboration with civilian expert groups.
The Middle East Society will promote exchanges in various areas such as academics, economy, culture, religion, and government, there by enhancing our understanding of the Islamic world.
“I hope that through the activities of the Middle East Society, the Korean people will take a greater interest in Islam and that a closer relationship can be fostered between Korea and the Islamic world. By doing so, Korea will further broaden its diplomatic horizon and living sphere,” he said.
