Holy See and Vietnam issue press release after 4th round of talks on bilateral
relations
The Holy See and Vietnam said bilateral relations “have progressed in a spirit of
goodwill” during the latest round of talks by the Joint Working Group representing
the two states. In a press release afterwards, the Holy See spoke of its desire
to see closer relations between Vietnam and the Holy See. It also underlined the
need to have as soon as possible a Papal Representative resident in the country for
the benefit of all concerned.
Please see below a full text of the Press Release:
PRESS
RELEASE of the 4th Round of the Joint Working Group Meeting between the Holy
See and Viet Nam (13-14 June 2013)
Realizing the agreements reached
at the 3rd Round of the Joint Working Group Meeting between Viet Nam and the Holy
See in Ha Noi (February 2012), the 4th Round of the Joint Working Group between the
Holy See and Viet Nam took place in the Vatican on the 13 – 14th of June 2013. Monsignor
Antoine Camilleri, Under-Secretary for Relations with States, Head of the Holy See
Delegation, and H.E. Mr. Bui Thanh Son, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Head of
the Vietnamese Delegation, co-chaired the meeting.
The two sides informed each
other about their respective situation, and reviewed and discussed Viet Nam – Holy
See relations and other issues related to the Viet Nam Catholic Church.
The
Vietnamese side stressed the consistent implementation and continuous improvements
in policies by the Party and State of Viet Nam related to the respect and assurance
of freedom of religion and religious beliefs, as well as continued encouragement of
different religions, and the Viet Nam Catholic Church in particular, in taking active
part in the national construction and socio-economic development process. The Holy
See side expressed appreciation and gratitude for the attention given by various levels
of Government to the activities of the Viet Nam Catholic Church, particularly the
10th Plenary Assembly of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences held in Xuan
Loc and Hochiminh City in December 2012, as well as the pastoral visits of the non-resident
Papal Representative, Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli. The Holy See stressed the desire
to develop further Viet Nam – Holy See relations and underlined the need to have as
soon as possible a Papal Representative resident in the country, for the benefit of
all concerned.
The two sides acknowledged the Church’s preaching regarding
"living the Gospel within the nation" and that "being a good Catholic is also a good
citizen". The Holy See confirmed the will of the Catholic Church to contribute, in
the manner specific to it, to the common good of society, and to transmit and implement
the constant teachings of the Popes on this matter.
The two sides believe that
Viet Nam – Holy See relations have progressed in a spirit of goodwill, constructive
exchange and respect for principles in the relationship. In this spirit, and in view
of the commitment to develop further mutual relations, the work of the non-resident
Papal Representative will be facilitated in order to allow him to carry out his mission
even more fruitfully.
The Meeting took place in an atmosphere of cordial sincerity,
openness, and mutual respect.
The two sides agreed to meet for the 5th Round
of the Joint Working Group between Viet Nam and the Holy See in Ha Noi. The time of
the meeting will be arranged through diplomatic channels.
On this occasion,
the Viet Nam delegation also paid a courtesy call on the Secretary for the Holy See’s
Relations with States, His Excellency Mgr. Dominique Mamberti.