Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed has delivered a letter to Pope Francis thanking him for his landmark visit to the UAE.
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces made the gesture through Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation.
Sheikh Abdullah was at the Vatican on Monday, where he was warmly received by Pope Francis.
The two repeated the importance of promoting tolerance, world peace and interfaith dialogue.
Pope Francis arrived in the Emirates on an historic three-day visit to the country this month.
More than 150,000 people attended a public Mass he held at Zayed Sports City Stadium in Abu Dhabi. Millions more watched the event on television around the world.
'Worse than a prison sentence'
Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.
“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.
“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.
“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.
“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.
“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”
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