Hanoi: Vietnam highly appreciates Pope Francis’s role in promoting the relationship between Vietnam and the Vatican, Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said at the ministry’s regular press conference in Hanoi. Hang stated this appreciation while addressing the media.

According to Vietnam News Agency, upon receiving the news of the death of the Pope, State President Luong Cuong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son extended condolences to the Vatican on behalf of the Vietnamese Party, State, and people.