Pope Francis met with the prime minister of Vietnam, Nguyen Tan Dung, marking the first diplomatic meeting between both leaders. ;
The meeting was short, but key and timely issues were addressed. The Holy See expressed its appreciation for the religious policy Vietnam adopted in its 2013 Constitution draft. Also for the assistance given to the Holy See's non residential Papal Representative to Vietnam. ;
As a gift, the prime minister gave the Pope a blue vase. In return, the Pope gave the prime minister and members of his delegation, a rosary. ;
About eight percent of country's population is Christian, most of which are Catholics. Over the years, the bilateral relationship between both states has improved. ;
Back in 1975 ties were cut, when the Communist regime ruled South Vietnam. The relationship eventually improved, especially after 2007 when the prime minister visited Benedict XVI in the Vatican. ;
Their discussion also included ways in which peace and stability can be promoted in the Asian continent. ;
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