(VOVWORLD) - President Vo Van Thuong’s official visit to Austria, State visit to Italy, and visit to the Vatican have been a success, Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son told reporters.
 Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son. (Photo: VNA) |
The trip from July 23 to 28, which encompassed 50 activities, has created important momentum for bilateral ties to develop in a deeper, more effective, stable and sustainable manner, said Minister Son.
The leaders of Austria and Italy reaffirmed Vietnam’s status as their leading important partners in ASEAN and wanted Vietnam to serve as a bridge to reinforce relations between the EU and ASEAN, he noted.
President Vo Van Thuong met Pope Francis and Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican.
Both sides announced the conclusion of the Agreement on the Status of the Resident Papal Representative and the Office of the Resident Papal Representative of the Vatican in Vietnam.
Pope Francis and Cardinal Parolin praised the development of religions and beliefs in Vietnam, including Catholicism, according to Minister Son.