PM meets with Vatican leaders

October 20, 2014 | 09:53

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PM Nguyen Tan Dung on Saturday met with Pope Francis and PM Pietro Parolin as part of his one-day visit to the Vatican.

Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac

This is PM Dung’s second visit to the Vatican following that of 2007.

In the course of cordial conversations, Pope Francis said the visit provides a good opportunity for both sides to enhance mutual understanding, thus strengthen the relations between Viet Nam and the Holy See.

The Holy See highly valued Viet Nam’s socio-economic achievements and expressed its appreciation for the country’s religious policies which have brought back numerous outcomes.

The Pope also thanked the Government of Viet Nam and authorities at all levels for creating favorable conditions for the Vatican’s non-resident Special Envoy, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli, to work in Viet Nam.

PM Dung affirmed that Viet Nam always attaches importance to the relations with the Vatican and persistently pursues and constantly refines its policies on respecting and safeguarding people’s rights to religion and faith freedom.

Viet Nam appreciates the active contribution of the Catholic Church to the national development and defense, the PM said.

Both sides agreed to continue upholding dialogues and contacts to further enhance the bilateral ties.

Regarding the East Sea issue, Pope Francis expressed his concern over the tensions in the East Sea, affirming his wish to contribute to maintaining peace, stability, and security in the region and the world.

VGP

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