Malaysia to open diplomatic ties with Holy See?

July 13, 2011

Malaysia's Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak plans to announce the opening of formal diplomatic ties with the Holy See, after a July 18 meeting with Pope Benedict XVI.

Government sources in Kuala Lumpur confirmed that the government is preparing to enter into a diplomatic accord with the Vatican. The move could bring an improvement in relations between Malaysia's Christian minority and the government of the Islamic state, which have been troubled during the past year.

 

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Further information:

• Diplomatic ties with the Vatican (The Star)
• Malaysian premier to visit Vatican, discuss opening of diplomatic ties (CWN, 7/4)