AKIPRESS.COM - The Holy See of Vatican and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding on the mutual exemption of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and special passports.

The memorandum was signed on behalf of the Holy See by Archbishop Paul Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States; and on behalf of the UAE by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

The signing was witnessed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

The signing of the agreement was part of the visit by Sheikh Mohamed to the Vatican, where he met with Pope Francis earlier in the day.

When Pope Francis received Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the armed forces of the United Arab Emirates, it was the highest-level official delegation from the Gulf state ever to visit the Vatican, and comes at a time when constructive dialogue between people of all faiths is of paramount importance, CNN believes.

The Pope has expressed his hope for a stable Middle East that respects the rights of all faiths equally.