Crown Prince in talks with Pope at Vatican

The Crown Prince and Pope Francis will discuss bilateral ties between the UAE and Vatican, and ways to further develop them.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed flew into Rome on Wednesday. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Crown Prince Court — Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI // Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, will meet Pope Francis at the Vatican on Thursday.

Sheikh Mohammed, also Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, flew into Rome on Wednesday. He and Pope Francis will discuss bilateral ties between the UAE and Vatican, and ways to further develop them.

They will also review joint efforts in promoting tolerance, discussion and coexistence as part of efforts to achieve security, peace and stability in the region and the world.

Upon landing, Sheikh Mohammed said that peace and security were the gateway to comprehensive and sustainable development for all, according to state news agency Wam.

“There is a pressing need for stronger cooperation between countries and organisations to formulate policies that promote values of tolerance and dialogue and constructive communication between civilisations.”

He spoke of the UAE’s success in creating a model of coexistence and tolerance for the many nationalities that reside within it.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi said Islam is a religion of tolerance and moderation which calls for dialogue and peace:

“Terrorist groups that pretend to act in its name deviate from its true path. The first step toward defeating these groups is to see them as criminal groups, regardless of religion, race of geographic location,” he said.

During his visit, Sheikh Mohammed will also meet Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi after talks with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state.

His delegation includes Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Reem Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation.