ISLAMABAD - Foreign Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd has extended his warm wishes to Muslims in Australia and around the world for the holy month of Ramadan. According to the message released by Australian High Commission here on Monday, Rudd said, "I extend my warm wishes to Muslims in Australia and around the world for the holy month of Ramadan." He said for over 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide, Ramadan is a special month of fasting and prayers. He said it is also a sacred time for contemplation and compassion, when Muslims are urged to strengthen their focus on providing charity and helping their fellow men and women.

Rudd said, "Today Australia is home to nearly half a million Muslims and the Australian Muslim community is diverse, with members from over 60 different ethnic backgrounds." He said Muslims make important contributions to modern-day Australia and strengthen Australia's links with Muslim communities around the globe.

"The Government is committed to further deepening Australia's already strong bonds with the Muslim world," he added. He said Ramadan is a reminder that Muslim Australians are making a large and growing contribution to Australian society.

"As we welcome the beginning of Ramadan this week, I wish all Muslim Australians "Ramadan Mubarak", he concluded his message. (Monitoring Desk)