An international symposium on the challenges facing Muslims is under way in Taipei.
The symposium is jointly sponsored by the foreign ministry and the Muslim World League (MWL). The league is a group of Islamic NGOs aimed at promoting Islam. It is primarily funded by Saudi Arabia and has tremendous leverage in the Islamic world.
At the opening ceremony on Monday, Foreign Minister David Lin said the fact that Taipei was chosen as the venue underlines the Muslim World League’s recognition of freedom of religion in Taiwan.
Lin said that under the constitution of the Republic of China, all religions and minorities enjoy freedom and equal rights. The Republic of China is Taiwan’s official name.
Meanwhile, a written statement of welcome from President Ma Ying-jeou said that the government guarantees freedom of religion and that all religions are free to preach their messages in Taiwan. The president said that the doctrines of Islam that emphasize peace, equality and harmony coincide with the values of Confucianism.