The ongoing visit to Vietnam by Vatican Cardinal Fernando Filoni, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, is hoped to help him understand more about religious policies and life of Vietnamese Catholic followers.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung reiterated that the Vietnamese Government always respects and ensures citizens’ right to freedom of belief and religion at a reception for the Cardinal in Hanoi on January 20.

He took the occasion to congratulate Hanoi’s newly appointed Archbishop Pierre Nguyen Van Nhon and spoke highly of the Vietnamese Catholic community’s contributions to national development.

The PM went on to say that relations between Vietnam and Vatican remain strong despite ups and downs during their long-lasting bilateral ties via annual talks and regular contact, stressing that more recent high-level exchanges have helped move the bilateral relationship forwards.

The Government leader asked the two sides to continue frank dialogue on the basis of sincerity, mutual understanding and trust to benefit the community of seven million Catholic followers in Vietnam.

The Cardinal congratulated Vietnam on its achievements, saying the talks will facilitate bilateral ties development.

That Archbishop of Hanoi Pierre Nguyen Van Nhon was named by Pope Francis among the new cardinals reflected the Vatican’s respect and appreciation for Vietnam and its people, Cardinal Fernando Filoni said.

He added that recent meetings between Vietnamese leaders and the Pope will spur better cooperation between the two sides.