During the course of the event, the Vietnamese State leader congratulated the VBS and all Buddhist followers on the occasion of the Buddha’s 2565th birthday, whilst also thanking Most Venerable Thích Thiện Nhơn and VBS leaders for their valuable opinions. He went on to praise the efforts of monks and Buddhist followers in novel coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention and control activities, as well as their charity work.

President Phúc also affirmed that the achievements of the VBS serve as evidence to show that the right to freedom of belief and religion enjoyed by Vietnamese people continues to be protected by both the Constitution and local law.

The important contributions made by the VBS showcase the close relations that exist between Buddhism and the nation, as well as the unity between religion and life, the VBS and the country, along with that between Vietnam and the rest of the world.

The nation is home to a diverse range of religions, with more than 90% of the population following a belief or religion, whilst 24 million people are religious followers, accounting for 27% of the Vietnamese population.

Most notably, the Party and State’s unwavering policy in this field aims to respect and observe the rights of belief and religion of the people, he said.

He affirmed that the State works to ensure that all religious practices occur in line with the law and regulations recognised by the State, while simultaneously creating optimal conditions for religious followers and dignitaries to practice their religion and to perform their duties as a citizen.

State President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc presents a souvenir gift to the SBV Central Executive Council

President Phúc added his hopes that the VBS will continue to enhance its role and prestige by reinforcing the national great unity bloc and the solidarity that exists among religions, thereby optimising the strengths of beliefs and religions as well as culture for the national development.

The State President also urged various ministries, sectors and localities to ensure a strong performance when enacting ethnic and religious policies, along with combating the abuse of beliefs and religions which run counter to the law.

He outlined his belief that the VBS will successfully organise a series of upcoming important events, including the 40th anniversary of the organisation and Buddhist congresses taking place at all levels.

In response, Most Venerable Thích Thiện Nhơn hailed the success of the Government during the 2016 to 2021 tenure across multiple fields, adding that the organisation has also given a strong response to the call regarding COVID-19 prevention and control.

The VSB has hosted the UN Day of Vesak three times and has paid close attention to the material and spiritual lives of Buddhist followers abroad, he added.

He told President Phúc that his organisation expects the State to offer increasingly optimal conditions for its activities.