Hanoi, Vietnam - Vietnam confirmed it has discussed with the Vatican ways to develop relations and improve the situation of Catholics in the communist country, state media said.
"Vietnam and the Vatican have agreed to increase contact to promote mutual understanding, solve issues of common concern and improve bilateral relations," said the official Vietnam News Agency.
The agreement was reached last week during a visit to the Vatican by a delegation of the government Committee for Religious Affairs, led by chairman Ngo Yen Thi.
"The Vietnamese delegation spoke about Vietnam's religious situation and policies, affirming Vietnam's respect of religious freedom. It has acknowledged the Vatican's requests and has agreed to increase contacts to settle issues of mutual concern," VNA said.
The Vatican said Saturday it was hoping for a rapid normalisation of its relations with Vietnam. The two sides still have no diplomatic ties.
"Relations between the Holy See and Vietnam were at the centre of these discussions, with the hope they rapidly normalise," it said.
Vietnam has eight million Catholics in its population of more than 82 million, the second largest Catholic community in Asia after the Philippines. There are no official figures on the number of Catholics in China.
An official from the Committee for Religious Affairs in Hanoi refused to elaborate Monday, adding the delegation had not yet returned.
But the statements came after several signs of goodwill shown between the two sides.
Pope Benedict XVI said soon after his election he would be in favour of normalising ties with Vietnam, as well as with China and Saudi Arabia. The pontiff has said he appreciated the way Hanoi sent immediate condolecences after John Paul II died.
The regime retains a suspicion of Catholics, fearing their numbers and loyalty to the Vatican are a threat to the state. Vietnamese authorities also still vet the number of bishops ordained.
But several foreign observers have noted major improvements in recent months, adding the question was not if but when the two would normalize relations.