Taipei, Jan. 23 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian met with an Islamic delegation Thursday before its departure for the western Saudi Arabian city of Mecca for an annual pilgrimage tour to mark Eid al-Adha-- the Festival of the Sacrifice--one of the most important Muslim celebrations.
This was the first time that the Republic of China president has ever received an Islamic pilgrimage delegation since local Muslims began to organize an annual pilgrimage tour of Mecca in 1953.
President Chen said the meeting signifies the importance his administration has attached to the annual Islamic pilgrimage tour as well as the ROC government's respect for religious freedom and concern for minority groups.
Chen said he took pleasure in meeting the delegation, which represents the 50,000 Muslims in Taiwan.
Noting that the word "Islam" means peace, Chen said the scripture of Islam upholds peace, equality and obedience to Allah. "The religion has helped numerous people achieve peace of mind in a chaotic secular world," he noted.
Although a small handful of Muslims have taken radical, extremist moves, Chen went on, such actions have nothing to do with Islamic teachings.
Given Taiwan's open society, Chen said, the number of Muslims has increased steadily on the island. "Despite the geographic distance, Taiwan has also managed to develop close ties with many Muslim countries in the Middle East, " Chen said, adding that local Muslims have contributed much to the promotion of religious freedom and cultural exchanges between Taiwan and Middle East nations.
Chen told his guests that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has ordered the ROC representative office in Saudi Arabia to offer all necessary assistance to the pilgrimage delegation during its stay.
The delegation is scheduled to leave for Mecca--the birthplace of Mohammed and the holiest city of Islam as well as the pilgrimage site for all devout believers of the faith--Saturday and will return Feb. 19.