National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan (left, in pink) visits Ho Chi Minh City Archdiocese. (Photo: VNA)

She stressed that the Party and State applaud the role and contributions of Catholics to national construction and development. She highlighted the visit to the Vatican by Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh last October, saying the two sides reached consensus on orientations to enhance the relations between Vietnam and the Vatican.  The legislative leader expressed her hope that Catholic dignitaries and followers will carry forward the tradition of patriotism, accompany the nation and make practical contributions to strengthening the great national unity bloc, as well as national construction.