Standing Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Hòa Bình (right) and Pastor Franklin Graham

Joining the visiting reception included Chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs Vũ Hoài Bắc.

At the visiting reception

At the reception, while welcoming Pastor Franklin Graham's third visit to Vietnam, Standing Deputy Prime Minister Nguyễn Hòa Bình highly appreciated projects of fresh water, rural sanitation, and charity programs that Samaritan's Purse has implemented to assist poor Vietnamese people over the last years, as well as thanked the pastor for his good reflection on the country of Vietnam to the U.S. Government and people. 

The Deputy Prime Minister hoped that the pastor and his associates would get more experiences on the diverse religious life in Vietnam during this working trip, and continue implementing more and more practical humanitarian projects in Vietnam for environmental protection and climate change prevention, supporting poor children and disadvantaged people, contributing to promote the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and the United States. He also extended Christmas and New Year greetings to the pastor on the occasion of Christmas and upcoming New Year 2025.

Pastor Franklin Graham thanked the Vietnamese Government for due attention and support extended to his organization's activities in Vietnam and pledged to continue practical charity programs in Vietnam in the coming time.

The pastor also shared with the Deputy Prime Minister about his own feelings about the religious freedom in Vietnam and promised to continue to serve as the “ambassador” to convey the image of a beautiful, hospitable and friendly country of Vietnam with freedom of religion to the U.S. Government, people and international friends.

Posing for group photo

NL