Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed to meet Pope Francis at the Vatican

Abu Dhabi Crown Prince HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is due to meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Thursday as part of an official visit.

Sheikh Mohamed, also Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, arrived in Rome on Wednesday with an official delegation.

He will meet with Pope Francis to discuss bilateral ties between the UAE and the Vatican and ways to further develop them, official news agency WAM reported.

The two leaders will also review joint cooperation efforts in promoting tolerance, dialogue, coexistence and interfaith values as part of efforts to achieve security, peace and stability in the region and the world.

During his visit, Sheikh Mohamed will also meet with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State and other officials at the Vatican.

He will also meet with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi to discuss ways of developing friendship and cooperation between the two countries, and other bilateral issues.