Saudi crown prince and the Pope discuss the question of Jerusalem

Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz on Tuesday visited the Vatican where he was welcomed by Pope John Paul II. Talks dealt with peace, tolerance, dialogue and the question of Jerusalem.

The Saudi crown prince also discussed with Vatican Secretary of State Angelo Cardinal Sodano the Middle East peace process and the status of the city of Jerusalem.

On the second-day of his visit to Italy, the Saudi crown prince met with Italian Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema. The two sides discussed bilateral relations between their two countries and means of strengthening them in light of the historical depth of such relations. Talks also dealt with conditions in the Middle East and in Kosovo.

On Tuesday night, Crown Prince Abdullah met with the chairman of the European Commission, Romano Prodi, and the two men discussed cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the European Commission.

Similar talks were held with Italian Defense Minister Carlo Scognamiglio.

Crown Prince Abdullah started in South Africa on May 19 a vast tour which has upcoming stops in Morocco, Libya, Egypt, Syria and Jordan.