VATICAN CITY: The Vatican has established diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, it said on Thursday, adding to the list of Arab nations with whom it shares such ties.

Although Islam is the official religion in the Middle Eastern country and virtually all its citizens are Muslim, Christians there are allowed practice their faith openly, the Vatican said in a statement announcing the establishment of ties.

The Vatican already has diplomatic relations with several Arab and Islamic states, including Egypt and Kuwait. Last year the Vatican s secretary of state said it would use its diplomatic missions in predominantly Muslim countries to help increase inter-religious understanding and harmony.