THE SOCIALIST REPUBLIC OF VIET NAM
Government News
Viet Nam, Vatican spur mutual respect and understanding
VGP - General Secretary and President To Lam met with Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin in New York on September 22 (local time) on the sidelines of the United Nations Summit of the Future and the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
General Secretary and President of Viet Nam To Lam (R) and Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, New York, September 22 (local time) - Photo: VNA
The two sides spoke highly of the positive progress in the relations between Viet Nam and the Vatican, especially the appointment of the Vatican's Resident Papal Representative in Viet Nam and the opening of the Office of the Resident Papal Representative in Ha Noi in 2024.
To expressed thanks to Pope Francis for offering his sympathy and encouragement to the people of Viet Nam following the aftermath of the devastating typhoon Yagi, which costs Viet Nam about US$2 billion.
The top Vietnamese leader acknowledged and highly valued the affections expressed by Pope Francis and Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin toward Viet Nam, affirming that Viet Nam has created favorable conditions for pastoral visits by the current Resident Papal Representative and the non-resident special envoy over the past time.
In reply, Secretary of State Parolin recalled his good impression on Viet Nam from his previous visit and affirmed that the Catholic Church in Viet Nam is committed to supporting the country's development.
Parolin said that the Holy See's Resident Papal Representative has actively cooperated with Viet Nam and shared that Pope Francis hopes to visit Viet Nam to boost the Viet Nam - Vatican relations.
The two sides underlined the importance of maintaining the exchange of high-ranking delegations and the meetings of the Viet Nam-Vatican joint working group to promote mutual respect and understanding./.