Ho Chi Minh City affirms to accompany the Catholic community, deepening Vietnam

TP.HCM khẳng định đồng hành cùng cộng đồng Công giáo, làm sâu sắc hơn quan hệ Việt Nam - Vatican - Ảnh 1. — Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc received Permanent Representative of the Vatican in Vietnam Marek Zalewski on the afternoon of December 5 - Photo: THANH HIEP

On the afternoon of December 5, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc received Archbishop Marek Zalewski - Permanent Representative of the Vatican in Vietnam.

Deepening Vietnam - Vatican relations in the spirit of respect, cooperation and mutual understanding

Vatican - Ảnh 2. — Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc at the working session on the afternoon of December 5 - Photo: THANH HIEP

Speaking at the reception, Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc emphasized the importance of the Catholic community in Vietnam and around the world .

He affirmed that today's meeting reflects the trust and respect of the Vietnamese government and people for the Catholic community, and at the same time demonstrates goodwill for cooperation and open dialogue between the two sides.

Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc expressed his impression of the Vatican's messages and especially the late Pope Francis' call for peace negotiations for the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He said that this is the common aspiration of the international community and the Vietnamese people.

According to the Chairman of the City People's Committee, the meeting between high-ranking Vietnamese leaders and the late Pope Francis in 2023, along with the approval of the operating regulations of the Permanent Representative and Representative Office of the Holy See in Vietnam, is of special importance.

These steps have created a favorable foundation for the process of enhancing understanding, promoting cooperation and deepening relations between Vietnam and the Vatican in the spirit of respect, cooperation and mutual understanding.

The two sides expressed their belief that the Vatican Resident Representative in Vietnam will continue to play an active role in strengthening the relationship between the Holy See and the Catholic community in Vietnam, as well as in promoting the relationship between Vietnam and the Vatican in general.

The Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee said that the city always welcomes and commits to creating all favorable conditions for Archbishop Marek Zalewski to successfully complete his mission in Vietnam, contributing to deepening the friendly relationship between the two sides.

He also emphasized that the provincial and municipal governments in Vietnam always maintain good relations with all religions, including Catholicism. Religions in Vietnam in general and in Ho Chi Minh City in particular always live together in harmony, solidarity, and strive for good social values.

The motto "living a good life, living a good religion", both practicing religion and fulfilling civic duties, is a valuable trait and also a consistent policy of the Party and State of Vietnam.

On the occasion of the upcoming Christmas, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc sent his best wishes to the Archbishop for good health, peace, and continued success in fulfilling his assigned mission. At the same time, he also sent his best wishes to the Catholic community in Ho Chi Minh City, hoping that everyone would have a peaceful, joyful, warm and happy Christmas.

Expand cooperation in education , health, environmental protection and social activities

TP.HCM khẳng định đồng hành cùng cộng đồng Công giáo, làm sâu sắc hơn quan hệ Việt Nam - Vatican - Ảnh 3. — Permanent Representative of the Vatican in Vietnam - Archbishop Marek Zalewski - Photo: THANH HIEP

Opening his speech, Archbishop Marek Zalewski sent his condolences and expressed his deep regret over the fire in Cau Ong Lanh ward that occurred that morning, causing human loss.

He said that the coming time will also be the occasion to celebrate the second anniversary of the operation of the Vatican's Permanent Representative Office in Vietnam. This is a significant milestone and an opportunity for him to express his gratitude not only to the Catholic Church in Vietnam, but also to the Vatican for entrusting him with this important responsibility.

Archbishop Marek Zalewski affirmed that he and the Resident Representative Office will continue to actively participate in humanitarian activities and people-to-people exchange programs, thereby contributing to connecting the two countries and contributing to the social development of Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam.

These activities not only aim to strengthen the relationship between the Catholic Church of Vietnam and the Vatican, but also contribute to further strengthening the relationship between the Vietnamese Government and the Holy See.

He also emphasized that besides cooperation at the central level, strengthening cooperation at the local level - between local authorities and churches, parishes and dioceses - is also very important in building trust and promoting solidarity.

Archbishop Marek Zalewski hopes that in the coming time, the Vatican and Vietnam can further expand cooperation in areas such as health, education, environmental protection and social activities.