Vietnam seeks dialogue with Vatican

VietNamNet Bridge - Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem emphasised his wish yesterday to strengthen dialogue for mutual understanding between Viet Nam and the Vatican. He made the statement while receiving a delegation from the Vatican, led by the Vatican Undersecretary of State for Relations with States Pietro Parolin, who is on a week-long working visit to Viet Nam. The Deputy PM informed the delegation about Viet Nam’’s achievements in promoting the economy, culture and foreign affairs as well as in implementing the Vietnamese State’’s religious policies over the past year. Khiem affirmed that the Party and Government of Viet Nam continue to respect democratic rights and the freedom of religion and belief, according to Vietnamese laws. Parolin in turn praised Viet Nam’’s progress after joining the WTO and becoming a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. Also on June 9, the delegation met with the Episcopal Council of the Viet Nam Catholic Church. On June 11, the delegation will leave Ha Noi to visit Da Lat City in the Tay Nguyen (the Central Highlands) province of Lam Dong, HCM City, and the central provinces of Quang Tri and Thua Thien-Hue. Apart from visiting parishes and working with local authorities during stops, the delegation will visit a pottery craft village in southern Binh Duong Province, home to the established Minh Long pottery trademark. The delegation is scheduled to conclude their 15th visit to Viet Nam on June 15.