Minister Bui Thanh Son and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Vatican's secretary for relations with states and international organizations. Photo: Pham Hai

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son hosted a reception for visiting Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Vatican's secretary for relations with states and international organizations, in Hanoi on April 9.

Archbishop Gallagher’s Vietnam visit, the first by a Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Vatican, especially after the adoption of the Status of the Resident Papal Representative in Vietnam, is significant to the Vietnamese Catholic community, contributing to strengthening the relationship between the two sides.

This is also an opportunity for the Archbishop to witness the dynamic development of Vietnam, as well as the vibrant religious life of the Catholic community in Vietnam.

Vietnam consistently implements a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, and diversification, and is a reliable partner and responsible member of the international community.

Vietnam wishes to develop relations with other countries on the principles of equality, mutual respect, and mutually beneficial cooperation, in accordance with international law.

Minister Bui Thanh Son affirmed that Vietnam always consistently implements the policy of respecting and ensuring freedom of belief and religion of all people.

He emphasized the importance of great national unity, in which religion is one of the resources contributing to building and developing the country.

Vietnam always creates favorable conditions for religions, including Catholicism, to operate and develop according to the provisions of the Constitution and law.

The Minister expressed his wish that the Vietnamese Catholic community continue to promote good moral values, and participate in patriotic emulation movements, health care, education, vocational training, social security, and poverty reduction activities.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son at the reception. Photo: Pham Hai

Minister Bui Thanh Son proposed that the two sides continue to maintain effective high-level exchanges and contacts, promoting the connecting role of the Resident Papal Representative in Vietnam.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with Vietnamese authorities, will create conditions for the Resident Papal Representative to fulfill the mission, contributing to the growing relationship between Vietnam and the Holy See.

For his part, Archbishop Gallagher said he was impressed by Vietnam’s socio-economic and diplomatic achievements which see the contributions by Catholics, noting his belief that the community wishes and can contribute more to the country’s prosperous development.

The Archbishop voiced his belief that the Catholic community in Vietnam would make more contributions to the Southeast Asian nation's development.

He also rejoiced at the fine relationship between Vietnam and the Holy See through the maintenance of high-level contacts and the role of the Joint Working Group whose 11th meeting is expected to be held in Hanoi.

Archbishop Gallagher thanked Vietnamese competent agencies for their support for the Resident Papal Representative, saying he believes that with mutual understanding and sincere dialogue, the relationship will make new progress.

While in Vietnam, Archbishop Gallagher also held meetings with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Minister of Home Affairs Pham Thi Thanh Tra, and visited the Archdioceses of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Hue.

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