Hanoi, Vatican increase cooperation
Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Pham Quang Nghi received Archbishop Leopoldo Grielli, non-resident representative to the Vatican Holy See in Vietnam, in Hanoi on February 7.
At the meeting, Nghi stressed that the meeting between Vietnamese Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican Holly See in January is clear evidence of the development of Vietnam-Vatican relations.
He said Hanoi authorities appreciate the contributions of local people, including parishioners, to the development of the capital city and the country.
Nghi also hailed the teachings of Pope Benedict XVI to the Vietnamese Catholic community, as well as the Vietnam Catholic Church’s motto of “Worship God, Love Country” and “Living the Gospel amid the nation.”
For his part, Archbishop Leopoldo Grielli extended New Year greetings to Hanoi authorities and people.
He also expressed his hope that bilateral ties between Vietnam and Vatican will further strengthen, looking towards to the establishment of official diplomatic relations.
The same day, the archbishop was received by Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen TheThao.
The two sides agreed to increase cooperation to tighten the relationship between Vatican and Vietnam in general and Hanoi in particular.