Pope Francis meets with Prime Minister of Thailand

Pope Francis on Thursday received the Prime Minister of Thailand, Yingluck Shinawatra. A statement released by the Holy See Press Office described the talks as cordial, in which the two spoke about the good relations between the Holy See and Thailand, was well as the cooperation between the Church and government, especially in the fields of education and society.

Furthermore, they discussed international issues and the political situation in Asia, with particular focus, on the importance of intercultural and interreligious dialogue for the promotion of human rights, peace, and justice in the region. The Prime Minister presented two silver candlesticks to the Holy Father as a gift, while the Pope gave Ms. Yingluck a pen. Earlier in the day, Pope Francis met with Secretary-General of the Organization of American States, José Miguel Insulza.

Source: news.va (Sep. 12, 2013)