Viet Nam, Vatican enhance relations
(VNA) - Viet Nam and the Vatican have agreed to increase contact to promote mutual understanding, solve issues of common concern, and improve bilateral relations.
The agreement was reached during a visit to the Vatican from June 27-July 3 by a Vietnamese delegation of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs led by Chairman Ngo Yen Thi. The visit was made at the invitation of the Holy See's Relations with States.
The Vietnamese delegation had working sessions with Archbishop Giovanni Lajolo, Vatican Secretary for the Holy See's Relations with States, and his deputy Monsignor Pietro Parolin. They also met with Cardinal Crescenczio Sepe, the Prefect of the Congregation for Evangelisation of Peoples, and leaders of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue.
The delegation also attended ceremonies such as the Imposition of the Pallium to some Metropolitan Archbishops, which involved the Archbishop of Ha Noi diocese, Ngo Quang Kiet.
During these meetings, the Vatican officials said the Vatican wished to establish diplomatic relations with Viet Nam. They appreciated Viet Nam's goodwill in conforming to the Vatican's requirements, and thanked the Vietnamese leaders for offering their sympathy over the death of Pope John Paul II and their congratulations to new Pope Benedict XVI.
The Vietnamese delegation spoke about Viet Nam's religious situation and policies, affirming Viet Nam's respect of religious freedom. It has acknowledged the Vatican's requests and has agreed to increase contacts to settle issues of mutual concern.
Chairman Ngo Yen Thi said that the Vietnamese government has accepted the Viet Nam Episcopal Council's proposal to invite Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, the Prefect of the Congregation for Evangelisation of Peoples, to visit Viet Nam.
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