Substitute of the Secretariat of State at the Vatican, Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, inaugurated the new Apostolic Nunciature in Abu Dhabi on Friday, marking a new stage in diplomatic relations between the UAE and the Vatican.

Archbishop Parra said the inauguration of the Vatican Embassy in Abu Dhabi highlights the deep-rooted ties between the two friendly states, state news agency WAM reported.

The inauguration coincided with the third anniversary of the signing of the Human Fraternity Document by Pope Francis, and Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmed el-Tayeb.

It also coincided with the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic ties between the Vatican and the UAE.

Pope Francis sent a high-level delegation to inaugurate the Apostolic Nunciature in Abu Dhabi, in recognition of the UAE’s role in promoting the values of tolerance and coexistence, WAM reported.

At the end of his speech, Parra thanked Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.

The inauguration included the attendance of the UAE Minister of Culture and Youth, Noura bint Mohammed Al-Kaabi and Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for Cultural and Public Diplomacy, Omar Saif Ghobash.