Participants in the event, organized by the Government Committee for Religious Affairs, agreed that a series of religious events held in 2009 demonstrated the soundness of the Party and State’s religious policies, which they said respect and ensure the rights to freedom of belief.

They said these successful events, including the 11^th International Conference on Buddhist Women, received positive feedback locally and abroad and contributed to the country’s socio-economic development.

In 2009, the Committees for Religious Affairs stepped up efforts at all levels to raise public awareness of belief and religion issues and to create favourable conditions for religious followers to both conduct religious practice and lead good lives in society.