Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính shakes hands with representatives of religious organisations. — VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

HCM CITY — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính yesterday met with religious dignitaries and thanked them for accompanying the nation through difficulties, challenges and also in favourable times.

At a conference praising religious organisations for their contributions to the cause of national construction and defence, which was held in HCM City on Tuesday, PM Chính stated that religious groups had helped the country overcome many difficulties and challenges. Religious groups also contributed to the nation's construction, helping achieve strength and prosperity.

The PM said religious compatriots were part of the Vietnamese nation and of great national unity. Throughout the country's history, religious life has been an integral part of the cultural and spiritual life of Vietnamese people.

The Party and the State have always consistently respected and ensured belief and religious freedom for all people. From the first term of the National Assembly (NA) until now, nearly 60 exemplary dignitaries have been elected to the NA and thousands of religious dignitaries have participated in the people's councils at all levels.

Most recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Việt Nam has gone through difficult times and unprecedented challenges. It is during those difficult times that religious organisations promote their patriotism and fine traditions. They accompanied the nation with responsibility and kindness, and actively worked with authorities at all levels in COVID-19 prevention and control in many creative and effective ways.

“We beat the pandemic thanks to our unwavering belief in the wise leadership of the Party and State, the Government's decisiveness, the involvement of the whole political system, the joint effort and consensus of organisations and people, including religious compatriots," said PM Chính.

The 13th Congress of the Party set a goal by 2030, to be a developing country with modern industry, high middle income and socialist orientation. The Congress emphasised the importance of great national unity in reaching those strategic goals. Religion is one of the resources contributing to the construction and development of the country.

PM Chính proposed religious organisations continue actively participating in patriotic campaigns, health, education, vocational training, social security, poverty reduction, contributing to economic and social development, and actively participating in foreign affairs and international integration.

He requested ministries, agencies and localities to strictly implement regulations on religion, and promote all resources of religion in national construction and development.

The PM emphasised that the Việt Nam Fatherland Front, central agencies, provinces and cities should regularly study the thoughts and aspirations of people of all religions; continue to pay attention to their proposals and recommendations. They should create good conditions for religious organisations to work smoothly within the law.

Speaking at the conference, dignitaries and leaders of religions expressed their joy at the great achievements of the country, affirming strong support for the guidelines, policies and laws of the Party and State, including policies on religion.

They promised that religions would actively contribute to the implementation of the policy of great national unity and religious solidarity in the cause of national construction and defence, for the sake of the people and the country.

Việt Nam now has 43 religious organisations belonging to 16 religions. Each religion has its own direction and motto, but they all share the same orientation of accompanying the nation’s development, according to the Government Committee for Religious Affairs. — VNS