Agreement between Vatican and Arab League

Signed today in Rome, it aims to strengthen collaboration for peace, security and stability in the region and to favour inter-religious dialogue.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - An agreement aimed at strengthening collaboration on a cultural and political level between the Holy See and the Arab League in favour of "peace, security and regional and international stability" and increased attention to inter-religious dialogue, was signed today in the Vatican by the Secretary General of the Arab League, Amr Moussa - who will be received Tomorrow in private audience by Pope Benedict - and the Pope's "Foreign Minister" Msgr. Dominique Mamberti.

The Memorandum of Understanding, a Vatican communiqué informs, "further consolidates the bonds of co-operation that exist between the Holy See and the League of Arab States, especially on the political and cultural levels, in favour of peace, security, and regional and international stability. Moreover, it proposes instruments of consultation between the two Parties, giving attention also to initiatives of inter-religious dialogue" and "came into force with the signature of the two Parties".

Representing the Vatican were; Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, Secretary of State; Monsignors Fortunatus Nwachukwu; Alberto Ortega; Christophe El-Kassis; Nicolas Thevenin; Lech Piechota. Representin the Arab League, Walid Al Gargani, Head of the Arab League's Mission to the Holy See; Mr El Fateh El Naciry, head of the Department for Europe and Euro-Arab Affairs; Ms Dina Douay, Desk Officer for Europe in the Secretary-General's Cabinet. Also present were the Ambassadors accredited to the Holy See from some member countries of the League of Arab States.