Vatican City (AsiaNews) – In a cordial meeting that lasted 45 minutes, Vatican Secretary of State, Card Angelo Sodano, and his US counterpart, Condoleezza Rice, discussed religious freedom, the Holy Land, the Middle East and other Asian countries.

In a statement, the director of the Vatican press office, Joaquin Navarro, said that Cardinal Sodano "extended the Holy Father's greetings to the guest asking her to convey them to President Bush as well. For her part, Ms Rice, on behalf of President Bush, the American people and herself, expressed to his Holiness their best wishes for a quick recovery".

"The two then exchanged opinions on various relevant international topics, especially concerning the Holy Land, the Middle East and other Asian countries," the statement read.

"Attention was also given to the issue of religious freedom in various parts of the world as well as bilateral relations. Both sides reaffirmed their intention to work together to protect and promote spiritual values".

Ms Rice and Cardinal Sodano were accompanied by their aides, Beth Jones, Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs, and Brent Hardt, chargé d'affaires, for the US Secretary of State, and Mgr Giovanni Lajolo, Secretary for Relations with other States, and his deputy, Mgr Pietro Parolin for the Vatican Secretary of State

Cardinal Sodano welcomed Ms Rice, who was wearing a dark brown tailleur, to the Treaties Hall. The US Secretary and the US delegation sat across a long, red-covered table from their Vatican counterparts.

Reporters present at the meeting said that the atmosphere was very cordial.

In his remarks, Cardinal Sodano noted how youthful the US delegation was and asked Ms Rice "how is this hall compared to the others you have seen." "Not bad! she said jokingly, adding that "it was always an honour to come to the Vatican".

When it was time for the traditional exchange of gifts, Cardinal Sodano gave Ms Rice a book on the Vatican and a medal that referred to Europe's Christian roots, commenting that "there was no need to stress America's Christian roots".

The US Secretary of State gave a silver tray in return, "perfect for chocolates," Cardinal Sodano commented. (FP)