The Deputy PM had separate meetings with the Archbishop of Ho Chi Minh City Archdiocese Nguyen Nang, Cardinal Pham Minh Man – former Archbishop, and Pastor Thai Phuoc Truong, President of the General Confederation of the Evangelical Church of Southern Vietnam.
Deputy PM Binh said the Vietnamese Party and State always respects and works hard to ensure the vital rights to freedom of belief and religion as well as create all favourable conditions for religious activities within a legal framework.
He also took the occasion to recognise the significant contributions of Catholics and Protestants to the country’s socio-economic-cultural development.
Archbishop Nguyen Nang promised to continuously encourage parishioners to follow the State laws and policies and actively participate in patriotic emulation campaigns.
Meanwhile, Cardinal Pham Minh Man wished peace and prosperity for the country.
Pastor Thai Phuoc Truong pledged to encourage Protestant dignitaries and followers to join productive and worthwhile activities, charitable campaigns and poverty reduction efforts.
The same day, Deputy PM Truong Hoa Binh also visited and extended Christmas greetings to Bishop of the My Tho Diocese Nguyen Van Kham.
Meeting with Bishop of the My Tho Diocese Nguyen Van Kham, who is also Secretary General of the Vietnam Episcopal Council, the Deputy PM hoped the Bishop will continue to encourage Catholics to join social activities and patriotic emulation campaigns.
