Holy See-Vietnam conclude meeting 2012

Officials from the Holy See and the government of Vietman concluded a two day meeting on Tuesday. During the meeting, the Holy See expressed the wish that its role and mission be strengthened and extended in order to enhance the bonds between the Holy see and the Catholic Church in Viet Nam as well as the intention of Viet Nam and of the Holy See to develop their relationship. At the conclusion of the meeting, the two sides came up with an assessment that the Viet Nam – Holy See relationship has attained positive developments on the basis of good will and constructive dialogue, as well as respect for principles in the relationship.

Below is the full text of the Joint Communiqué:

Joint Communiqué of the Third Meeting of the Vietnam – Holy See Joint Working Group
(Hanoi, 27-28 February 2012)

As agreed upon at the second meeting of the Vietnam – Holy See Joint Working Group, in the Vatican (June 2010), the third meeting of the Vietnam – Holy See Joint Working Group was held in Hanoi, on 27/28 February 2012. The meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Mr. Bui Thanh Son, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, Head of the Vietnamese delegation, and Monsignor Ettore Balestrero, Under-Secretary for Relations with States, Head of the Holy See delegation.

The two sides examined international issues, informed each other of their respective situation and reviewed progress in the Viet Nam- Holy See relationship after the second meeting of the Viet Nam- Holy See Joint Working Group and discussed the issues related to the Catholic Church in Viet Nam.

The Vietnamese delegation emphasized that the State of Viet Nam has always implemented and continually improved the policy to respect and ensure freedom of belief and religion for the people; encouraged the Catholic Church in Viet Nam to actively and effectively participate in the current course of national, economic and social development.

From its part, the delegation of the Holy See took note of these considerations and expressed appreciation for the attention given by civil authorities to the activities of the Catholic Church, in particular in 2010 during the celebration of the Jubilee Year, and on the occasion of the pastoral visits of the non resident Special Envoy Archbishop Leopoldo Girelli.

The Holy See expressed the wish that its role and mission be strengthened and extended in order to enhance the bonds between the Holy see and the Catholic Church in Viet Nam as well as the intention of Viet Nam and of the Holy See to develop their relationship.
Both sides agreed to facilitate the work of Archbishop Girelli, so that he can better fulfill his mission.

Furthermore, both sides recalled the teachings of His Holiness Pope Benedicts XVI regarding living the Gospel within the nation and His considerations concerning being a good catholic and a good citizen and stressed the need for continued cooperation between the Catholic Church and civil authorities in order to concretely and practically implement those teachings in all activities.

The two sides came up with an assessment that the Viet Nam – Holy See relationship has attained positive developments on the basis of good will and constructive dialogue, as well as respect for principles in the relationship.

The meeting took place in an atmosphere of cordiality, frankness and mutual respect.

The two sides agreed to convene the fourth meeting of the Viet Nam – Holy See Joint Working Group in the Vatican. The dates of the meeting will be arranged through diplomatic channels.

On the occasion of the Visit in Viet Nam, the Delegation of the Holy See paid courtesy calls to H.E. the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Pham Binh Minh, to the Vice-Standing Chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs Mr. Nguyen Thanh Xuan, and to the National Pediatrics Hospital which cooperates with the Hospital “Bambino Gesù” of the Holy See in Rome, as well as to some catholic institutions in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and the diocese of Xuan Loc, Dong Nai.

 

Tan Son Nhat International Airport 29 Feb 2012

 Vatican Radio (2012-02-28)

Source: www.news.va