이프타르 행사, 외교장관 인사

뉴스레터 91호(2026.5)

ublished : March 10, 2026 - 22:28:12

Jung Min-kyung

Since 2017, I have covered South Korea’s political and
economic landscape as a reporter, with a focus on foreign affairs, inter-Korean

relations and security.


As a foreign affairs reporter, I closely follow developments from the Ministry

of Unification, the Foreign Ministry and the Defense Ministry, tracking shifts

in diplomacy, military policy and North Korea’s evolving posture. My work

focuses on the intersection of geopolitics, security and policy decisions

shaping the Korean Peninsula.


Earlier in my career, I also reported on South Korea’s financial sector,

covering banking, markets and regulatory developments—experience that continues

to inform my understanding of how economic policy intersects with national

strategy.

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Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, right,
speaks with Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, dean of the Arab diplomatic corps in Seoul

and ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to South Korea, during a Ramadan

iftar dinner held in Seoul on Tuesday evening. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun
hosted a Ramadan iftar dinner Tuesday evening for diplomats from member states

of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Seoul, as South Korea seeks to

strengthen ties with the Islamic world amid rising tensions in the Middle East.The

event, held at the Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, is part of the Foreign Ministry’s

annual outreach to OIC member states during Ramadan. The ministry has hosted

the gathering since 2004 to promote friendship and cooperation with

Muslim-majority countries.Iftar refers to the evening meal that breaks the

daily fast during Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. The meal is

traditionally held after sunset and symbolizes sharing and fellowship.The

Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, founded in 1969, represents 57

Muslim-majority countries. Members include major Middle Eastern nations such as

Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.This

year’s gathering came as tensions in the Middle East remain elevated following

ongoing hostilities involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

In his welcoming remarks, Cho noted
that this year’s event marks the 20th anniversary of the iftar dinner,

describing it as a meaningful occasion that reflects the friendship and trust

built over generations, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. He also

expressed hope that peace and stability in the region would soon be restored,

noting that the spirit of Ramadan — including tolerance, peace and empathy

toward others — is particularly meaningful amid the current challenging

regional situation.Cho added that the SHINE Initiative, Seoul’s Middle East

strategy announced during President Lee Jae-myung’s visit to Egypt last year,

reflects South Korea’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the region.

Seoul views Egypt as a gateway connecting Europe, Africa and the Middle East,

opening new opportunities for Korean companies. Under the initiative, President

Lee also pledged $10 million to the Red Crescent to support humanitarian

assistance for people affected by war or natural disasters. The SHINE

initiative — which stands for Stability, Harmony, Innovation, Network and

Education — aims to promote peace, prosperity and cultural exchange while

fostering mutual growth between the Middle East and the Korean Peninsula.In

response, Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, dean of the Arab diplomatic corps in Seoul

and ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to South Korea, expressed

appreciation for the Foreign Ministry’s hosting of the event and emphasized the

importance of peaceful coexistence and cooperation beyond cultural and

religious differences.Al Nuaimi also welcomed growing interest in the Arabic

language in South Korea and expressed hope that dialogue and mutual

understanding between the two sides would continue to expand.About 180 guests

attended the dinner, including diplomats from OIC member states as well as

figures from political, business, academic, media and religious circles.“The

Foreign Ministry has hosted the iftar dinner since 2004 to promote greater

understanding of the values and culture of Ramadan, including sharing,

compassion, solidarity and tolerance,” a ministry official said. “We hope the

gathering will serve as a meaningful opportunity to strengthen friendship and

cooperation with countries in the Islamic world.”Meanwhile, Iran reportedly

decided not to attend the event. An official at the Iranian Embassy told

several local media outlets that the decision was made by Iran’s ambassador to

South Korea, Saeed Koozechi, adding that “the background of the decision can be

inferred.”


mkjung@heraldcorp.com