King, Queen Arrive in Rome

Amman
11 September 2005

Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania arrived in Rome on the outset of a working tour that includes the Vatican and the United States of America. In Rome, Their Majesties are expected to meet with Pope Benedict XVI on Monday before heading for the US to join world leaders at the UN World Summit. During his meeting with Pope Benedict XVI, King Abdullah will discuss opportunities to enhance and sustain dialogue between Muslims and Christians, means of encountering extremism and terrorism and the essence of Islam. Talks with the pontiff will also cover Jordan's relations with the Vatican. In New York, King Abdullah will devote part of his visit to meetings with religious leaders representing the three monotheistic faiths, opinion leaders and intellectuals with a view to cementing inter-faith dialogue.