The "positive contribution that the historic Christian minority makes to Kuwaiti society" and "the importance of promoting a culture of respect and peaceful coexistence among different peoples and religions". A memorandum of understanding on strengthening bilateral relations in favor of mutual cooperation, peace and stability regionally and internationally.

Vatican City (AsiaNews) - The "positive contribution that the historic Christian minority makes to Kuwaiti society" and "the importance of promoting a culture of respect and peaceful coexistence among different peoples and religions" were the focus of talks between Pope Francis and Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of Kuwait, who was received today at the Vatican.

Before the closing of the doors of the library for the private talks,  journalists heard the Pope and Prime Minister exchange some words about the need for peace and encounter between peoples. The theme of peace also permeated the presentation of the  delegations, a dozen people, all men, and the exchange of gifts. Francis gave a medallion representing the tree of peace, as well as a copy of his encyclical "Laudato Sì". The Kuwaiti Prime Minister countered with model, in gold, of a ship.

A Vatican statement informs that the delegation from the Gulf country subsequently met Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State accompanied by Msgr. Paul R. Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States.

Afterwards, the parties proceeded to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Secretariat of State and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, signed respectively by Msgr. Paul R. Gallagher and by Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. With this instrument the Parties undertake to consolidate and strengthen bilateral relations in favor of mutual cooperation, peace and stability regionally and internationally.

• VATICAN
• KUWAIT
• MEETING
• POPE
• FRANCIS
• DIPLOMACY