Socialist Republic of Vietnam

A Vatican delegation led by Monsignor Pietro Parolin, who is the Vatican Under-Secretary of State for Relations with States, has been in Viet Nam for a working visit since Mar. 5.

The Vatican representatives made the visit after getting the approval from Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

On Mar. 6, they had working sessions with a Vietnamese delegation headed by Nguyen The Doanh, Vice Head of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs. The Vietnamese delegation also included officials from the Foreign Ministry.

The Vatican delegation met with representatives of the Viet Nam Episcopal Council of the Viet Nam Catholic Church on Mar. 5.

At these meetings, the Vietnamese side introduced to the Vatican representatives the country's renewal achievements in the fields of economy, culture, social affairs and diplomacy over the past years, especially in 2006.

They also explained the Vietnamese State 's policy that respects and ensures the freedom of beliefs and religious practices at a time the country is integrating internationally.

The Vietnamese side highlighted the positive outcomes of the implementation of policies for all religions in general and for Catholicism in particular.

The Vatican officials spoke highly of the achievements that Viet Nam has obtained in the course of development and the process of renewal.

They congratulated the country for its admission into the World Trade Organisation and welcomed positive outcomes Viet Nam has achieved in all domains of social life, including religious affairs.

Also at these meetings, the Vietnamese and Vatican officials discussed a number of issues concerning the Viet Nam Catholic Church and other matters of mutual concern.

They agreed that the Jan. 25 meeting between Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and Pope Benedict XVI and other Vatican senior officials is an important event, helping boost the two sides' relationship.

Also on Mar. 6, the Vatican representatives paid a courtesy visit to Vu Mao, Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee for External Relations and met with officials from the Foreign Ministry.

Staying in Viet Nam until Mar. 11, the Vatican officials are scheduled to visit the Party Central Committee's Commission for External Relations.

They will also visit Quy Nhon and Kon Tum Dioceses and conduct some activities.

VNA