ROME – The Secretary General of the Muslim World League, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa, met Pope Francis on Wednesday to discuss cooperation between the Vatican and the Islamic world on issues related to peace and coexistence.

During the meeting, the two religious figures “exchanged views on a number of topics of mutual concern, notably cooperation between the Vatican and the Islamic world on issues related to peace and coexistence,” Arab News wrote.

Al-Issa also expressed that Muslims from all over the world appreciate the Pope’s stance on false claims that link terrorism and extremism to Islam.

The Pope has always stressed that violence can’t solely be linked to the followers of one faith or the other.

He has also always highlighted the importance of peace and coexistence between people of all faiths.

Towards the end of their meeting, Pope Francis and Al-Issa exchanged commemorative gifts.

According to Arab News, Al-Issa “gave the pope a religious symbol representing Islamic civilization and its communication with other civilizations.”

While the Pontiff gifted him “a memorial pen marking the 500th anniversary of St. Peter’s Basilica in 2006, and a medal commemorating his fifth year as head of the Roman Catholic church.”