National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung has praised what the Vietnam Committee for Catholic Solidarity (VCCS) has done since its establishment 30 years ago, especially its efforts to unite Catholic followers nationwide for socio-economic development.

He made the remark while receiving a VCCS delegation in Hanoi on November 20, who came to inform him of the outcomes of the sixth Congress of Vietnamese Catholics for National Construction and Defence that took place in the capital city on November 19-20.

Chairman Hung stated that the Party and State always follow the consistent policy of respecting and ensuring the right to freedom of beliefs and religions or no religion at all which has been stipulated in all Constitutions of the country, including the draft amendments to the 1992 Constitution.

He said he is convinced that Catholic dignitaries and followers will uphold religious values and citizens’ responsibilities, contributing to building a country of peace, independence, unification and territorial integrity.

As the Christmas season is coming, Chairman Hung extend greetings to all Catholic bishops, priests and followers nationwide.

The VCCS delegation expressed wishes for further support by the Vietnam Fatherland Front and authorities at all levels, thus making it easier for them to expand social and charitable activities to more areas and contribute more to the nation.

They informed the NA leader that the two-day congress re-elected priest Nguyen Cong Danh as VCCS President for the 2013-2018 tenure.

Participants also issued a letter calling on Vietnamese Catholic community to continue the tradition of solidarity and engaging in national patriotic movements in the coming time.-VNA