On August 2, the Government Committee for Religious Affairs (GCRA) had a meeting with the Cambodian Ministry of Cults and Religion on the implementation of a cooperation agreement on religious affairs between Vietnam and Cambodia.
The seven-member delegation of the Cambodian Ministry of Cults and Religion was led by Minister Him Chhem. Cambodian Ambassador to Vietnam also joint with the delegation at the meeting.
Attending the meeting included Deputy Minister of the Home Affairs Nguyễn Trọng Thừa and Chief Executive Vice Chairman of the GCRA Bùi Thanh Hà.
Chief Executive Vice Chairman of the GCRA Bùi Thanh Hà speaks at meeting.
At the meeting, Vice Chairman Bùi Thanh Hà briefed the guests present religious situation in Vietnam. According to the Vice Chairman, Vietnam is a multi–religion country with around 95% of population has some forms of belief or religious life (accounting for about 27% population), about 83,000 dignitaries and over 26,000 worshipping places, and Vietnam has recognized 39 religious organizations belonging to 14 religions. He also stated that the Vietnamese Government always respects and guarantees the right to freedom of belief and religion for every people, and Vietnam is drafting a law on belief and religion, and it’s expected to be approved by the National Assembly in 2016.
Minister Him Chhem also shared with the hosts on the religious life in Cambodia and informed that Buddhism has been followed by over 90% of the Cambodian population and stipulated as the state religion in the country.
During the meeting, the two sides also reviewed results of the bilateral agreement signed in 2015 and mapped out cooperation activities between the GCRA and the Cambodian Ministry, including exchange of visits and experiences in professional training, support for Buddhist churches in the two countries fostering cooperation and close coordination in related religious issues.
During its visit to Vietnam from August 1 to 5, the delegation of the Cambodian Ministry of Cults and Religion paid courtesy visits to President Trần Đại Quang and Minister of Home Affairs Lê Vĩnh Tân, and will visit Ho Chi Minh city and Ba Ria- Vung Tau province.
Deputy Minister Nguyễn Trọng Thừa presents gift to Cambodian Ministry of Cults and Religion
Taking memorable photo.
TP
