When Israeli President Shimon Peres visits Rome next week, he will be among the first world leaders to meet the new pope Francis, who took office last month.
The 89-year old Israeli leader will formally invite the new pontiff to visit Israel.
During the visit, Peres will also hold a series of meetings with the President and Prime Minister of Italy, meet business leaders to increase the economic cooperation between Israel and Italy, encounter leaders of the Jewish community and take part in a ceremony in the city of Assisi,
During thee meeting with the pope, the Israeli president is expected to raise the issue of the furthering peace and stability in the Middle East, progressing the peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, the common struggle against world poverty and the deepening of relations between Israel and the Vatican and between Christians and the Jewish people.
With the Italian leaders – re-elected president Giorgio Napolitano named this week Enrico Letta from the center-left Democratic Party as Prime Minister - Peres will discuss the Iranian threat, increasing the economic and diplomatic sanctions against Iran, European involvement in the peace process and strengthening the strategic, technological and economic relations between Israel and Italy.
The Vatican and Israel established diplomatic relations in 1993.
During his visit, Peres will also pay a special visit to the city of Assisi which is a symbol of peace in Italy and the city in which Francis of Assisi, after whom the Pope chose his name, was born.
At the invitation of the Mayor of Assisi, President Peres will be welcomed at a ceremony at the central Basilica in the city with hundreds of Franciscan monks.
On this occasion, he will receive the Medal of Honor for Peace and the key to the city.
The award is being presented for the first time in history in recognition for President Peres' unique contribution to dialogue and the cause of peace.