This is the first high-level contact move between the two sidesin the past seven years, and a very important event for them to discussmeasures to promote bilateral relations as well as Catholic activities inVietnam.
Hang said that the Vietnam - Vatican relations have seenpositive progress over the past time. The two sides have maintained high-level contact, as wellas effectively implemented the Joint Working Group mechanism. Since 2011, thepermanent representative of the Holy See has been active in Vietnam.
The Vietnamese State has followed a consistent policy ofrespecting and ensuring the freedom of belief and religion, creating favourableconditions for religious activities in general and Catholic activities inparticular.
On the Vatican side, Pope Benedict XVI issued instructionsand messages directing Vietnamese Catholic dignitaries and followers toaccompany the nation, become good citizens and contribute tothe country./.