SINGAPORE INVITES POPE BENEDICT TO VISIT REPUBLIC

By Zakaria Abdul Wahab

SINGAPORE, April 22 (Bernama) -- Singapore has invited Pope Benedict XVI to
visit the island republic next year, in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of
the establishment of diplomatic relations between the city state and the
Vatican.

Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo conveyed the invitation from Singapore
President S. R. Nathan to the Pope when he made an official visit to the Vatican
since Tuesday.

In a statement Thursday, the ministry said Yeo had a short audience with
Benedict yesterday, and the Pope thanked Nathan for the invitation and gave his
blessings to the Singapore Government and its people.

Yeo also met President of the Pontifical Commission and President of the
Governorate of Vatican City State Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo, Secretary for
Relations with States Archbishop Dominique Mamberti and Secretary of the
Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace Mario Toso, to discuss ways to enhance
bilateral cooperation.

Yeo also proposed cooperation in inter-faith dialogue, the ministry said.
-- BERNAMA