Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh talks to Bishop Joseph Nguyen Nang and other dignitaries of Phat Diem Diocese (Source: VNA)Ninh Binh (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh visitedPhat Diem Diocese in the northern province of Ninh Binh on December 22 toextend greetings to local Catholic dignitaries and followers on the Christmas season.
Talking to BishopJoseph Nguyen Nang and other dignitaries, the Deputy PM informed them of thecountry’s important socio-economic development achievements in 2018, with all12 set targets fulfilled, and affirmed the contributions made by the Catholiccommunity to the success.
The Governmentofficial reiterated that the State always respects and guarantees the right tofreedom of religion and beliefs of all people, considering it a consistent policyto ensure the rights and legitimate interests of religious followers, thus strengtheningthe national great unity for national development.
The Deputy PM praisedthe Phat Diem diocese for organising a wide range of social and charityactivities and voiced his hope that the Bishop and other dignitaries willorganise a warm and safe Christmas holiday, and continue encouraging thecommunity to exert greater efforts to contribute more to the country.
Bishop Joseph NguyenNang shared the delight at the country’s important achievements in renewal and nationaldevelopment, and the recognition of the contributions made by the Catholiccommunity to the growth of the locality and the nation.
The Catholics in PhatDiem diocese will continue to do their best to contribute to socialdevelopment, especially in issues related to education and health.
In Ninh Binh’sneighbouring province of Nam Dinh, local leaders also visited local Catholicdignitaries and followers on the occasion of Christmas.
Visiting Bach TinhParish in Nam Truc district, Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee PhamDinh Nghi said that the locality has fulfilled all 2018 socio-economic criteriaand collected over 4 trillion VND (171.2 million USD) for the State budget.
Nam Dinh is one amongthe localities leading the country in terms of new-style rural area buildingwith five out of 10 districts recognized as new-style rural areas.
Nghi attributed theresults to joint efforts of the local Party Committee, authorities and people,including the Catholic community.
He expressed his hopethat Catholic dignitaries and followers will continue following the Party’spolicies and State’s laws, responding to patriotic emulation movements, andjoining hands to further develop the nation and the province.-VNA
VNA
