VietNamNet Bridge – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pham Binh Minh, received Volker Kauder, parliamentary group leader of the ruling Christian Democratic Union of Germany, and the Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) in the Budestag (Lower House) in Ha Noi yesterday, August 24.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Pham Binh Minh, receives Volker Kauder, parliamentary group leader of the ruling Christian Democratic Union of Germany, and the Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) in the Budestag (Lower House) in Ha Noi yesterday. — Photo VGP

The two welcomed the upcoming signing of a free trade agreement between Viet Nam and the European Union, saying that the agreement would open new co-operation opportunities for enterprises of the two countries and the two regions.

They agreed upon further co-operation to bring the strategic partnership between Viet Nam and Germany, adding more depth to it. They also exchanged opinions on international and regional issues of mutual concerns, including the East Sea issue.

During the course of the same day, the German guest met with President of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front (VFF), Nguyen Thien Nhan.

During the meeting, Nhan said people from different religions lived in harmony, adding that Viet Nam consistently facilitated freedom of religious practice in accordance with the law and encourages followers of various religions to contribute more to the society.

He went on to inform his guest that the National Assembly was compiling a law on belief and religion that is expected to be passed by the end of 2016.

Volker Kauder said his Viet Nam visit had enabled him to meet with various religious groups.

The visit would help both sides gain information and experience, thus contributing to boosting mutual understanding and strengthening ties between the two nations, he added.

Viet Nam is home to 14 major religious groups with more than 22.1 million followers, ten million of whom are Buddhists and six million are Catholics.

Religious organisations and individuals have thus far set up 185 health check-up and treatment establishments and 270 kindergartens, while religious dignitaries have actively engaged in political affairs.

Source: VNS