Vatican, UAE establish diplomatic relations

VATICAN CITY (AFP) - The Holy See and the United Arab Emirates on Thursday established diplomatic relations, the Vatican said, praising the level of religious freedom in the predominantly Muslim country.

The UAE and the Vatican are "desirous of promoting bonds of mutual friendship and of strengthening international cooperation," the Vatican said in a statement.

Although the state religion of UAE is Islam, non-Muslims are guaranteed religious freedom under the Arabian peninsular country's constitution and Christians are free to worship, it said.

The Vatican already has diplomatic relations with other countries with Muslim majorities such as Algeria, Egypt, Pakistan, Turkey, Iran and Iraq.