Malaysia establishes formal diplomatic ties to Holy See
July 27, 2011
The Vatican has established formal diplomatic relations with Malaysia.
Following up on an agreement struck during a July 18 meeting between Pope Benedict XVI and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Bin Abdul Razak, the Vatican will send an apostolic nuncio to Kuala Lumpur, while Malaysia will establish an embassy at the Vatican.
There are approximately 850,000 Catholics in Malaysia, accounting for just 3% of the population in the officially Islamic country.
Malaysia becomes the 179th nation now enjoying full diplomatic relations with the Holy See.
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Further information:
- Holy See and Malaysia Establish Diplomatic Relations (VIS)
- Malaysia agrees to open diplomatic relations with Holy See (CWN, 7/18)
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