FM Spokeswoman on Vietnam-Vatican ties
Ha Noi, June 21 (VNA) -- Mutual respect and understanding between Viet Nam and the Vatican has gradually deepened, and progress has been recorded in the relationship since the early 1990s, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Phan Thuy Thanh said.
Ms. Thanh's statement was made in reply to a question raised by a Reuters correspondent at a regular press conference in Ha Noi today, June 21.
Despite the fact that both sides have not established diplomatic ties, Viet Nam still allows Vietnamese Catholic bishops to take trips relating to their religious affairs to the Vatican.
In addition to maintaining regular contacts between the Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy and the Vatican, both sides exchange visits of officials on an almost annual basis.
Since 1990, about 20 Catholic priests have been appointed or ordained. Representatives of the Vatican have visited different localities in Viet Nam and met with a large number of local priests and Catholic followers.
"Through these meetings, mutual respect and understanding have been increasing," the spokeswoman noted.--VNA
