The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister Nguyen Hai Trung, Head of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs Vu Hoai Bac, leaders of affiliated departments, and priests from the Hanoi Archdiocese.

Speaking at the meeting, Archbishop Joseph Vu Van Thien expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs and the Government Committee for Religious Affairs for their continued support of the Catholic Church. He also voiced his confidence that issues concerning ethnic minorities and religious communities would continue to receive the government’s thoughtful attention and resolution.

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung extended his warm New Year greetings to the Archbishop, priests, and parishioners of the Hanoi Archdiocese. He shared the joy of the recent 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, emphasizing that the Party’s ultimate goal remains the people - who are both the purpose and driving force of the nation’s development.

Reflecting on 2025, the Minister noted that Vietnam had overcome numerous challenges to maintain stability and achieve strong growth, emerging as a bright spot in the global landscape. He proudly mentioned that Vietnam’s happiness index had risen by 37 places in recent years, reflecting the steady progress of a developing nation.

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung acknowledged the important role that religious communities, including the Catholic Church, have played in contributing to social welfare and national development. “The achievements Vietnam has made are inseparable from the companionship and dedication of religious followers,” he said.

In the joyful spirit of the upcoming Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026, the Minister emphasized that the establishment of the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs aims to better serve all religious organizations and strengthen the great national unity. He called for continued cooperation between state institutions and religious communities to build a society of harmony, compassion, and shared prosperity.

At the end of the meeting, Archbishop Joseph Vu Van Thien presented flowers and posed for commemorative photos with Minister Dao Ngoc Dung and other delegates.

Vu Manh Cuong