Vatican City, 28 May 2016 – This morning the Holy Father Francis received in audience the president of the Republic of Singapore, Tony Tan Keng Yam, who subsequently met with Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, accompanied by Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, secretary for Relations with States.

During the cordial discussions the good relations between the Holy See and Singapore were evoked, as well as the collaboration between the Church and the State, especially in the educational and social fields.

Attention then turned to various current international themes and issues linked to the regional political situation, with particular reference to the importance of interreligious and intercultural dialogue for the promotion of human rights, stability, justice and peace in south-east Asia.