VATICAN - “Memorandum of Understanding” signed between Secretariat of State and the League of Arab States

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) - According to a communique published yesterday, April 23, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Secretariat of State and the League of Arab States was signed at the Vatican Apostolic Palace. It was signed for the Secretariat of State by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States, and for the League of Arab States by Amr Moussa, secretary general of that organisation. Among those present at the signing ceremony were Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone S.D.B. And Monsignors Fortunatus Nwachukwu, Alberto Ortega, Christophe El-Kassis, Nicolas Thevenin, Lech Piechota, and from the League of Arab States: Walid Al Gargani, Head of the Arab League mission to the Holy See, El Fateh El Naciry, Head of the European Department and Euro-Arabian Affairs, and Dina Douay, Desk Officer for Europe in the Cabinet of the General Secretariat. Also present were Ambassadors from several member-countries of the League of Arab States, to the Holy See. The agreement consolidates the existing ties of collaboration between the Holy See and the League of Arab States, especially at a political and cultural level, in favor of peace, security and stability, both regionally and internationally. Furthermore, it proposes instruments for consultation between the two sides, with particular emphasis on initiatives of inter-religious dialogue. The agreement enters into effect with the signature of both parties. (SL) (Agenzia Fides 24/4/2009)