Religious affairs to be promoted
(VOV) - Vietnam should strengthen religious affairs overseas, especially in its neighbours such as Laos and Cambodia, and other countries with large numbers of religious followers.
Maintaining regular contact with the Vatican is also a primary task, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc told the Government Committee for Religious Affairs at a meeting in Hanoi on July 16.
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He said religious work overseas has helped international friends deepen their understanding of religious practices in Vietnam, as well as the country’s consistent policy on freedom of religion and belief.
He asked relevant agencies to create conditions for religions to take part in people-to-people diplomacy, and to effectively implement policies for Vietnamese nationals, including religious followers, residing abroad.
The designated agencies need to further disseminate Party guidelines and State policies on religious affairs, contributing to refuting hostile forces’ slanderous allegations about religious practices in Vietnam, Phuc said.
The Deputy PM also asked the committee to improve its staff’s capabilities and complete legal documents on State management of religion, so as to meet the real situation in Vietnam and be in line with international law.
Vietnam has approximately 24 million religious followers, making up nearly one third of the country’s total population.
Over the years, western countries have acknowledged Vietnam’s efforts in implementing its religious policy, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Vietnam has developed diplomatic ties with 177 countries and territories across the globe. Some of its religious sects such as Buddhism, Catholicism, Muslim and Protestantism have established relations with international religious organisations.