Hung said relations between Vietnam and the Vatican has progressed significantly through annual meetings between senior Vietnamese leaders and the Pope and other dignitaries of the Vatican, meetings of the joint Vietnam-Vatican working group, and the Vatican’s appointment of its non-resident envoy to Vietnam.
He confirmed the Party and State of Vietnam consider religion and belief as the spiritual needs of the people, and religious followers as part of the great national unity bloc.
Hung expressed his hope the Pope will direct the Catholic Church of Vietnam to continue operating under the motto “Living the Gospel in the midst of the Nation” and making a contribution to national development.
The same day, NA Chairman Hung also met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican.
He assured the Cardinal that Vietnam is willing to foster relations with the Vatican on the principles of respect for independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, actively contributing to peace, cooperation and development in the world.
In the evening the NA Chairman left Rome for Hanoi, concluding his official visit to Italy.
