Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh and Pope Francis (Photo: VNA)

Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh made the remarks on Saturday during a meeting with Pope Francis and Secretary of State of the Vatican City Cardinal Pietro Parolin. He informed the Pope on Vietnam’s outstanding achievements in socio-economic development and international integration, emphasizing that they are the results of the joint efforts of all Vietnamese, including the religious community.

 Deputy PM Binh affirmed that Vietnam constantly works to perfect its policy on respecting and ensuring the freedom of religion and belief for all Vietnamese, and offering favorable conditions for religions to operate in line with their charters and statutes and in accordance with the law. This can be clearly seen in the all-round development and diverse activities of religions in Vietnam, including the Vietnam Catholic Church.

Pope Francis welcomed the visit by Deputy PM Binh, describing it as an important new step of development helping enhance mutual understanding and thus further promoting the ties between Vietnam and the Vatican in the time ahead.

The two sides exchanged views on important issues in bilateral ties and affirmed the need to maintain high-level meetings and regular dialogues at all levels.

 They discussed and reached agreement on the directions for strengthening Vietnam-Vatican ties towards elevating the relationship from the level of non-resident envoy to resident envoy in the time ahead.