KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 — Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman today paid a courtesy call on two prominent Vatican leaders, as part of his maiden visit to the Holy See.

According to a statement from the ministry, both Vatican leaders were the Secretary of State to the Pope His Eminence Cardinal Pietro Parolin, as well as the Secretary for Relations with States His Grace Archbishop Paul Gallagher.

During the call on Cardinal Parolin, both exchanged views on a range of topics covering bilateral relations with a view towards creating peace and stability.

"His Eminence also raised several regional and international issues of common concern such as the Korean peninsula, the South China Sea as well as the issue of the Rohingya,” said the statement adding that both agreed that these issues should be solved via peaceful negotiations and moderation.

During the meeting with Archbishop Gallagher, among the issues discussed included international cooperation and global issues of mutual concern, with Anifah taking the opportunity to highlight Malaysia’s Global Movement of Moderates initiative, which calls for moderation as a fundamental aspect of ensuring harmony between the various religious communities.

"Both expressed their keen desire to work closely on the various issues discussed, including education and interfaith dialogue which would help towards combating extremism,” it said.

According to Wisma Putra the meeting was the first between the two leaders and had provided both sides with an avenue to explore meaningful bilateral collaboration and to establish cooperation in the multilateral arena for peace and prosperity.

The maiden visit by Anifah since last Monday till today, also saw the official opening of the Chancery of the Malaysian Embassy to The Holy See, yesterday. — Bernama