Deputy PM Binh meets Pope Francis, Cardinal Parolin
VGP – Permanent Deputy PM Truong Hoa Binh had bilateral meetings with the Pope Francis and Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin during his visit to the Vatican.
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Permanent Deputy PM Truong Hoa Binh (R) and Pope Francis. Photo: VGP |
He briefed about recent achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in Viet Nam, stressing that they are the outcomes of aggregate efforts of all Vietnamese people, including religious community.
Viet Nam has constantly improved policies to ensure freedom of religion and belief for all Vietnamese and created favorable conditions for religions to operate in accordance with the Constitution and charters and statutes of the religions, which can be viewed in all-round development and diverse activities of the religions in the Southeast Asian country, said Deputy PM Binh.
Pope Francis welcomed Deputy PM Binh to the Holy See, describing the latter’s visit as a new step forward for the two sides to enhance mutual understanding, thus further promoting the relations between Viet Nam and the Vatican in the future.
He recalled good memories about meetings with Vietnamese leaders over the past years, expressing his pleasure at the positive developments in the Viet Nam-Vatican ties.
At meeting with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Deputy PM Binh emphasized that Viet Nam always creates best conditions for the religions, including Catholic to operate on equal basis in line with law.
The two sides exchanged views on important issues of the bilateral ties, agreeing to continue maintaining high-level contacts and regular dialogues at all levels.
Both sides will work toward lifting up the bilateral ties from the level of non-resident envoy to resident envoy in the future.
Deputy PM Binh also conveyed PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s invitation to Secretary of State Parolin to visit Viet Nam and the latter gladly accepted the invitation./.
By Hai Minh
