Mr. Phạm Dũng welcomed the delegation’s visit to Vietnam and highly appreciated the humanitarian activities and dedication of His Holiness the 12th Gyalwang Drupka in preserving the environment, peace and happiness of the world. He also shared about the guidelines and policies of the Party and State of Vietnam on belief and religion, with emphasis to respect freedom of belief and religion and create favorable conditions for religious activities.

According to Mr. Phạm Dũng, Vietnam is a multi–religious country, in which Buddhism is a religion with many followers. In the process of formation and development, Buddhism always stays closely attached to, and in company with the nation. Currently, Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) is the only Buddhist organization which represents the monks, nuns and believers in Vietnam and abroad, not only actively strive for secular and religious life in Vietnam but also join in international activities to promote cooperation between Buddhism in Vietnam and Buddhism around the world for peace, social progress and development. In 2014, the State of Vietnam approved for the VBS to host the 2014 United Nations Day of Vesak in Bai Dinh cultural and spiritual site, Ninh Binh province from May 8 to 10, 2014 with 1,500 delegates from 100 countries and territories worldwide, and tens of thousands of monks, nuns and Buddhists inside and outside the country.

His Holiness the 12th Gyalwang Drupka exchanges with Mr. Phạm Dũng, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Vice – Chairman of the GCRA

His Holiness the 12th Gyalwang Drupka said that this was the 5^th visit to Vietnam to organize prayer services for a prosperous and peaceful nation. He expressed his deep gratitude to the GCRA, VBS and local authorities for creating favorable conditions for the delegation. He also thanked the GCRA for making efforts to create religious harmony and favorable conditions for religious practice. His Holiness the 12th Gyalwang Drupka  expressed the deep condolences upon the death of the Most Venerable Thích Trí Tịnh,  First Deputy Patriarch and Chairman of the VBS Executive Council – a prominent monk who has made many contributions for Vietnam’s Buddhism

Mr. Phạm Dũng expressed his hope that the delegation will has a successful visit in Vietnam and wished that the Drupka Lineage, the VBS and the Buddhist Sanghas in the world will continue promoting the value of Buddhist thoughts in society, contributing to build a world of peace and prosperity.

Mr. Phạm Dũng, Deputy Minister of  Home Affairs, Chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs receives His Holiness the 12^th Gyalwang Drupka

Mr. Phạm Dũng, Deputy Minister of  Home Affairs, Chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs presents a gift to His Holiness the 12^th Gyalwang Drupka

His Holiness the 12^th Gyalwang Drupka presents a gift to leaders of the GCRA

His Holiness the 12th Gyalwang Drupka takes memorial picture with leaders of the GCRA