President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) welcomed a group of Taiwanese Hajj pilgrims at the Presidential Office on Monday. He highlights the Taiwanese government’s policy in recent years to build a Muslim-friendly environment, making the country a top choice for Muslim travelers worldwide.
In his remarks, Lai greeted the pilgrims in Arabic and congratulated them for completing the sacred Islamic pilgrimage with perseverance and faith. He also expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for being the guardian of Islam's two holy sites and for ensuring the pilgrimage group had a smooth journey to Mecca.
Lai emphasized the Taiwanese government's commitment to creating a friendly environment for Muslims. He noted that the government, in collaboration with civil societies, has established Muslim prayer rooms and washrooms in major transport hubs and tourist destinations. Additionally, he mentioned that there are over 300 Halal-certified restaurants nationwide, reflecting Taiwan's dedication to diversity and coexistence in daily life.
The president also highlighted that Taiwan has consistently ranked among the top three non-OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) destinations in the Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) since 2019. He stated that this recognition underscores Taiwan's commitment to diversity and inclusion, acknowledged by both the Muslim world and the international community.
Lai expressed hopes that more Muslim visitors from around the globe will come to Taiwan to experience the country's warmth and beauty.