Vatican City, Nov 18, 2009 / 10:46 am
Following his general audience Wednesday afternoon, Pope Benedict XVI met with Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh and on Tuesday evening met with Pierre Nkurunziza, president of the Republic of Burundi.
The Holy Father and Prime Minister Hasina cordially discussed opinions on the current state of Bangladesh as well as the primary challenges facing the country today. The conversation touched on the current efforts in Bangladesh to promote a society open to and respectful of human rights and also referenced the relationship between church and state authorities. Attention was given to the valued contributions that the Catholic Church has made to Bangladeshi society through education, healthcare, social life and general assistance.
After her meeting with the Pope, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was greeted by Cardinal Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone who was accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for Relations with States.
Tuesday evening in the Vatican's Apostolic Palace, Pope Benedict received in audience Pierre Nkurunziza, president of the Republic of Burundi.