Diplomatic relations between Yemen, Vatican

A Yemeni official source said on Saturday that the Yemeni government and the Vatican have agreed to establish diplomatic relations, but did not say on what level.

The source added the mutual agreement was reached during the visit of a Vatican delegation to Yemen which was concluded on Sunday, adding that it was signed by Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh and Foreign Minister Abdul Karim al-Iryani. The agreement will be put into force by the end of the current year.

The Yemeni news agency Sabaa said the Papal delegation met with President Saleh, al-Nahar reported.

An official in the delegation said more than 4,000 Catholics live in Yemen with four bishops and 26 nuns. Prior to the visit, the Vatican's spokesman said the delegation will discuss with the Yemeni officials the possibility of building "a catholic center in Sanaa where no Church exists."