Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on December 23 extended Christmas and New Year greetings to priests and Catholics in Bắc Giang. VNA/VNS Photo

BẮC GIANG - Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on December 23 visited and extended Christmas and New Year greetings to priests and Catholics in the Bắc Giang Parish as part of his trip to the northern province.

The PM conveyed Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng's best wishes to the Catholic community in Bắc Giang and the whole country.

PM Chinh underlined that the Party and State always respect and guarantee human rights, including the right to freedom of belief and religion, the right to follow or not to follow any religions and beliefs of all people, and create optimal conditions for religious organisations to operate in line with the law.

The Government leader highlighted socio-economic achievements that the country has gained so far, with good economic growth, controlled inflation and ensured major economic balances. The relations between Việt Nam and the Vatican have been expanded, he added.

The PM attributed the achievements to the efforts of the whole political system and the support of the business community, international friends and especially contributions from the people, including the Catholic community.

He hailed the efforts of priests and Catholics of Bắc Giang in implementing the motto of living gospel amid the nation to serve the people's happiness, joining with the people across the country to recover and promote socio-economic development.

He said he hopes Catholic priests, nuns and followers will continue to show strong performance in implementing the Party and State's policies and laws, promoting the national cultural and historical tradition as well as the great national solidarity.

Head of the Bắc Giang Parish, priest Giesu Nguyễn Văn Phong thanked the Party and State, and Party General Secretary Nguyễn Phú Trọng and Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính in particular, for their great attention to the material and spiritual life of religious communities, including the Catholic community.

He underlined the community's determination to continue to implement the Party and State's policies and laws, building a wealthy and happy life for the people, and making contributions to the construction of the homeland and the country as a whole.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính visited and presented Christmas gifts to the family of Nguyễn Ngọc Đăng and Nguyễn Thị Ngọt, an outstanding Catholic family with a successful business who have made positive contributions to the community in Bắc Giang city. VNS