In a letter to the VBS, Dam said the Sangha foundation was evidence of the unity and consolidation of all Buddhist organisations and sects in Vietnam.

He said the Sangha had managed to uphold the tradition of integration and join the nation in all patriotic movements, thus contributing to national unity as well as national construction and defence.

“Since its foundation, the VBS has always encouraged monks and nuns and followers to follow the Party and State policies while strengthening the religious institution in line with motto, “Be good citizens, good religious followers”, hailed the leader of the nation’s largest mass organisation.

He emphasised the motto “Religion - the Nation and Socialism” and Vietnamese Buddhism’s tradition of defending the country and protecting the people.

He called on the Sangha to fulfill its role as a Fatherland Front member in the new stage of development in order to contribute to strengthening the national unity bloc for the sake of prosperous people, a strong nation and a democratic, just and civilised society.

Dam highlighted the immediate task for Buddhists to join the nation in successfully holding the upcoming elections of the National Assembly and the People’s Council at all levels.