 By DPA
Vatican City : Pope Benedict XVI and former Iranian president Mohammad Khatami met at the Vatican Friday as part of ongoing Church efforts to improve relations with Muslims.
In a statement, the Vatican said the meeting had allowed the two leaders to discuss "the importance of serene dialogue between cultures", "promote cooperation" and "overcome the serious tensions that mark our time."
The two also discussed developments in the Middle East and the difficulties facing Christian communities living in Iran.
Khatami is regarded as one of the most senior Muslim figures to have met the pontiff since his controversial remarks on Islam last year.
In a speech in Germany last September, Benedict infuriated Muslims across the world by appearing to equate their religion with violence.
Benedict has since sought to make amends and pleased many Muslims last December with a highly symbolic visit to Istanbul's Blue Mosque.