Mr Duyet highlighted the voluntary merger of different Buddhist sects into the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha 25 years ago as evidence of solidarity of the Vietnamese Buddhists in the post-war period of national construction and defence.

Since its foundation in 1981, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) has always proved to be an active member of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF), playing a key role in strengthening the national unity, said the leader of the largest social body in Vietnam.

Mr Duyet noted that the VBS has been developing its motto of "Religion-Nation-Socialism" to help Vietnamese Buddhists nationwide and abroad overcome difficulties and hardships.

He urged VBS clerics and followers to further unite in the new stage of development to further strengthen their organisation in the struggle against hostile forces' schemes to abuse religious beliefs to sabotage the national unity.

President Duyet expressed his hope that VBS clerics, monks and nuns, and followers are actively contribute to fulfilling the 2006 socio-economic targets, said Mr Duyet.

VNA