Foreign Minister meets Vatican Secretary of State

Bui welcomed Arbishop Gallagher's first visit to Viet Nam, expressing his belief that the visit would contribute to strengthening the fine relations between Viet Nam and the Vatican.

The visit will also be a chance for Gallagher witness Viet Nam's dynamic development as well as the rich and vibrant religious life of Vietnamese Catholic community, Bui added.

He emphasized that Viet Nam has consistently pursued the foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multi-lateralization and diversification, being a trusted partner and responsible member of the international community.

Viet Nam wishes to advance relations with countries around the world based on the principles of equality, mutual respect, win-win cooperation in accordance with international law, Bui affirmed.

The Southeast Asian country has been keen on its policy of respecting and ensuring freedom of belief and religion of all people, and underscored the importance of national solidarity bloc, in which religion is of the resources contributing to national construction and development course, he said.

Bui reassured that the State of Viet Nam always pays attention to and creates favorable conditions for religions, including Catholicism, to operate and develop in line with the country's Constitution and laws.

He appreciated and wished that the Vietnamese Catholic community will continue promoting the fine moral values of Catholicism, actively participate in patriotic movements and health, education, vocational training, social security, and poverty reduction activities in a bid to contribute to the development and prosperity of the nation.

Foreign Minister Bui spoke highly of the recent developments in the Viet Nam-Vatican relations, as evidenced by the two sides' decision to upgrade their ties to the level of Resident Papal Representative in Viet Nam. He suggested both sides continue to maintain high-level exchanges and contacts and dialogue mechanisms while promoting the role of the Resident Papal Representative in Viet Nam.

Arbishop Gallagher said he was impressed with and congratulated on Viet Nam's socio-economic and diplomatic achievements.

He was glad to witness the Vietnamese Catholic Church's growth and engagement in social activities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, expressing his belief that the Vietnamese Catholic community would make greater contributions to Viet Nam's development.

Arbishop Gallagher expressed his hope that Viet Nam will continue creating favorable conditions for the Holy See's Resident Representative to undertake his role in Viet Nam. He also expressed his belief that the ties between Viet Nam and the Vatican will continue to develop.

During his six-day tour to Viet Nam, Arbishop Gallagher will meet with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, have a working session with Minister of Home Affairs Pham Thi Thanh Tra, and visit Archdioceses of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hue./.