During a visit to Bui Chu diocese in Nam Dinh province on December 24, Ms Doan extended yuletide greetings to the local Catholic community and expressed the hope that they will continue to live an evangelical life and make further contributions to local and national development.

She affirmed that the community has been part and parcel of the bloc of great national unity which has been strengthened in the course of national history.

The Vietnamese State creates favourable conditions for religious followers to practise their faith and contribute to the nation, she said.

Bui Chu diocese bishop Hoang Van Tiem vowed to develop the community and encourage local Catholics to taker part in exemplary role model and humanitarian movements.