(VOVworld) – Vietnam always encourages and creates favourable conditions for all religions, including Catholicism, to develop positive values and contribute to Vietnam’s development.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) meets with Holy See Deputy Foreign Minister Antoine Camilleri in Hanoi on September 10, 2014.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh made the remarks at a Wednesday meeting with Antoine Camilleri, Deputy Foreign Minister of the Holy See, who is visiting Vietnam to attend the 5th Vietnam-Vatican joint working group in Hanoi on Wednesday and Thursday.
Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh reiterated Vietnam’s consistent policies of respecting and guaranteeing religious freedom, calling on the Vatican to encourage the Catholic community in Vietnam to lead a virtuous life and abide by the Vietnamese government’s laws and policies.
Camilleri shared his impressions of his first visit to Vietnam, where he observed several Catholic activities. He said Pope Francis and the Holy See want to improve ties with Vietnam and that the Vietnamese Catholic community will contribute to Vietnam’s development in the spirit of the Gospel and the Pope’s teachings.