Speaking at the reception, the Vietnamese foreign minister expressed his belief that the visit would contribute to cultivating the good relationship between the two countries, adding that it was an opportunity for Paul Richard Gallagher to witness the dynamic development of Vietnam, and the abundant and vibrant religious life of the Catholic community in Vietnam.

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Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son receives Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Vatican.

Also, Son required that both sides should continue to effectively maintain high-level exchanges, contacts and dialogue mechanisms, and promote the role of Vatican's Resident Representative in Vietnam. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry and functional agencies would create favorable conditions for the Vatican’s representative to successfully fulfill his mission, contributing to the further development of the relationship between Vietnam and the Holy See in the coming time.

For his part, Paul Richard Gallagher was delighted at the growth of the Catholic community in Vietnam and believed that the community would make more contribution to Vietnam’s development.

Meanwhile, he agreed to enhance exchanges and contacts, as well as intensify cooperation between the two sides via the Vietnam - Vatican Joint Working Group mechanism and at multilateral and international forums.

Translated by Quynh Oanh