"A new, important step towards the normalisation of the bilateral relations" between the Vatican and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. With these words, the Holy See, in a release published by the Vatican newsroom, defines the audience given this morning by Benedict XVI to Nguyên Tân Dung, prime minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The release says: "This is the first time a prime minister of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam has met the Holy Father and the highest authorities of the Secretariat of State". The Holy See, goes on the release, "expressed its pleasure for this visit, which marks a new, important step towards the normalisation of bilateral relations. Over the last few years, they have seen factual progress, giving more space to religious freedom for the Catholic Church in Vietnam". (to be continued)
