On March 28, Chief Executive Vice Chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs (GCRA) Bùi Thanh Hà received a U.S. delegation led by Ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom David Saperstein at GCRA’s headquarters.
Joining the U.S. delegation included officials of the Office of International Religious Freedom under the U.S. Department of State and the Political Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in Vietnam.
Welcoming the guests were also representatives of GCRA’s Office and Departments for Protestant Affairs, Legislation and Inspection Affairs, and International Relation.
At the meeting, Vice Chairman of the GCRA Bùi Thanh Hà stated that Vietnam is a multi–religion country and there is no religious conflict in the country. He affirmed that Vietnamese Party and State always respect and guarantee human rights, including the right to freedom of belief and religion for every Vietnamese and foreigners who are studying and working in Vietnam.
The Vice Chairman exchanged with the U.S. Ambassador on the draft law on belief and religion and its drafting process before submitting it to the National Assembly for consideration.
Vice Chairman Bùi Thanh Hà also spoke on other issues raised by the delegation members, including the registration of religious activities, the differences between notification and approval, the temporary suspension of religious activities, and involvement of religious organizations in social activities, health, education and charity.
Vietnam Government in general, and the GCRA in particular always remains open for exchange and dialogue for enhancing mutual understanding between the two sides, Mr. Hà said.
During the reception meeting, the Ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom spoke highly of Vietnam’s achievements in the field of religion and praised GCRA’s contributions to positive changes in the religious life in the country.
This is the 3rd visit to Vietnam of Ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom David Saperstein. During this visit from March 26 to 31, the Ambassador also met with the National Assembly’s Committee on Culture, Education, Adolescents and Children, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, the Ministry of Public Security and the Government Committee for Religious Affairs, and will visit local authorities and religious organizations in the Central Highlands provinces of Gia Lai and Kon Tum./.
GCRA leader present memorable gifts to U.S. delegation
TP
