The Vatican has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Arab League in a bid to strengthen political and cultural understanding, Italian news agency AKI reported.
In a statement, the Vatican said the memorandum was signed for the secretariat of state by senior official Dominique Mamberti and Amr Moussa, secretary general of the Arab League.
The Vatican's secretary of state, Tarcisio Bertone and head of the Arab League mission to the Holy See, Walid al-Gargani also attended the ceremony on Thursday.
"The agreement further consolidates the existing ties of collaboration between the Holy See and the League of Arab States, especially at a political and cultural level, in favour of peace, security and stability, both regionally and internationally," the communique said.
"Furthermore, it proposes instruments for consultation between the two sides, with particular emphasis on initiatives of interreligious dialogue".
The agreement comes as Catholic bishops across Europe prepare to meet Muslim leaders to promote dialogue at a conference to be held in the French city of Bordeaux on Monday.
A delegation of Australian Catholic bishops and Muslim leaders is currently visiting the Vatican to look at ways to strengthen relations.
