Under-Secretary for Relations with States of Vatican meets with Mr. Phạm Dũng, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs

09/15/2014

On September 10th, 2014, Mr. Phạm Dũng, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs (GCRA) met with Under-Secretary for Relations with States of Vatican Antoine Camilleri on the occasion of the 5th Vietnam-Vatican Joint Working Group meeting in Hanoi on September 10-11.

At the meeting reception, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Chairman of the GCRA expressed his pleasure to welcome the delegation as well as conveyed his best wishes to the Pope.

At the reception, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Chairman of the GCRA stated that Vietnam consistently implements the policy for respect and guarantee of citizens’ right to freedom of belief and religion; encourages and facilitates religions to uphold their religious values, including those of Catholicism, contributing to the cause of building the country.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Chairman of the GCRA also highly valued the development progress in the relationship between Vietnam and Vatican, as demonstrated by the meetings between high-ranking leaders of Vietnam and Vietnamese Government Committee for Religious Affairs with the Pope, results of the annual meetings of the Vietnam - Vatican Joint Working Groups, and activities of the non-resident special envoy of the Vatican in Vietnam.

Mr. Phạm Dũng expressed his belief that the Vatican will continue to provide progressive guidance to the Vietnam Catholic Church and Catholic followers for "living the gospel amongst the heart of the nation", well observing policies and laws of the State, contributing to the cause of building and defensing the country.

In his speech Deputy Minister Antoine Camilleri thanked Vietnam authorities, including the GCRA, for due attention to the Vietnam Catholic Church as well as activities of the non-resident special envoy of the Vatican in Vietnam over the past years. He affirmed that the Pope and Vatican always attach its importance to the strengthening of the relationship with Vietnam and encourage Vietnam Catholic followers make positive contributions to the cause of building and developing the country of Vietnam in accordance with the Message and Magisterial Teaching of the Pope.

Some images at the reception:

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Chairman of the GCRA Mr. Phạm Dũng and Under-Secretary for Relations with States of Vatican Antoine Camilleri

Overview of the reception

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Chairman of the GCRA Phạm Dũng presents gift to Under-Secretary for Relations with States of Vatican Antoine Camilleri