State President Nguyen Minh Triet made the statement in a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI in Vatican on December 11.

The president reaffirmed Vietnam’s external policy of independence, self-reliance, friendliness, and as a trusted partner and responsible member of the international community.

The President pointed out that the Vietnamese State has always respected and ensured its citizens’ right to freedom of belief and considered religious followers an integral part of the national unity bloc.

He said religions, including Catholicism, in Vietnam have enjoyed favourable conditions for development as provided by local administrations, citing the recent success of the opening ceremony of the Jubilee Year 2010.

Mr Triet expressed support for the Pope’s teachings that address Vietnamese bishops advising Catholics to be good followers and good citizens on the occasion of the Ad Limina in June 2009. He also emphasised the spirit of “Living the gospel amidst the nation” as highlighted in the Pastoral Letter 1980 of the Vietnamese Bishops Council.

The State leader lauded the Pope’s message sent to the Vietnam Catholic Church on the opening of the Jubilee Year 2010 in which the Vatican admitted mistakes committed in the past and pleaded for forgiveness.

He said he expected the teachings and the message should be enacted by the Vietnam Catholic Church with practical deeds and that Catholics should continue contributing to national construction.
Mr Triet emphasised that a majority of Catholics have been actively taking part in national construction and defence and that many have courageously fallen for the nation during the struggle for independence.

“Their sacrifices have been recognised by the Fatherland,” said the State leader.

Pope Benedict XVI thanked the State of Vietnam for allowing and assisting the Vietname Catholic Church to successfully host Jubilee Year 2010 in So Kien, Ha Nam province.

The Pope shared the view with President Triet and asked Vietnam to continue creating favourable conditions for the Vietnam Catholic Church in making contributions to charitable, healthcare and educational activities.

The Pope expressed his wish to further promote Vietnam-Vatican ties in the future.
President Triet also met with Vatican Prime Minister Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, who hailed the president’s meeting with the Pope.

President Triet expressed his wish that Cardinal Bertone will continue to provide specific guidance for the Vietnam Catholic Church to properly execute the Pope’s teachings and messages.

The State President said he believes that with both sides’ goodwill and determination, relations between Vietnam and the Vatican will continue to develop in accordance with their respective desires.

The same day, President Triet made a tour of Milan city, meeting Chairman of Lombardia Roberto Formigoni and Milan Mayor Letizia Moratti.