Religion enhances VN's image abroad

HA NOI — Religious life in Viet Nam had helped introduce the nation to international communities as a country of renovation, peace, stability and development, delegates told a seminar in Ha Noi yesterday.

Jointly organised by the Government Committee for Religious Affairs and the European Union, the event was part of an EU-funded project called Facilitating Strategic Dialogue in Viet Nam.

The seminar aimed at exchanging religion-related issues and reviewing Viet Nam's religious achievements. It was also an opportunity to share experience in ensuring freedom of belief and fine tune the country's laws and policies on religions.

Many participants agreed that in addition to profound socio-economic and cultural achievements made during the renewal process, changes in religious policies had helped change religious life in a progressive and active manner.

This has made religious followers and dignitaries believe more in the Party and State and reject distortions about Viet Nam's religious situation and policies made by hostile forces.

Nguyen Thanh Xuan, vice-chairman of the Government's Committee for Religious Affairs, said religious renovation had made the world fully aware of changes in religious life and policies in Viet Nam. — VNS