Laos, Cambodia, Việt Nam agree to jointly promote Buddhism

November 13, 2018 - 16:20

Buddhists from Laos, Cambodia and Việt Nam gathered in Vientiane on Tuesday for the first Cambodia, Laos and Việt Nam Buddhist Leaders’ Conference, which aimed to strengthen co-operation in promoting Buddhism in the three countries.

Buddhist leaders and delegates from Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam gather at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane for the First Buddhist Leaders’ Conference. – Photo Khamphan
Viet Nam News

VIENTIANE — Buddhists from Laos, Cambodia and Việt Nam gathered in Vientiane on Tuesday for the first Cambodia, Laos and Việt Nam Buddhist Leaders’ Conference, which aimed to strengthen co-operation in promoting Buddhism in the three countries.

The conference took place at the National Convention Centre and was attended by the President of the Lao Buddhist Fellowship Organisation, Manha-ngon Damrongboun, and the President of the Lao Front for National Development, Dr Xaysomphone Phomvihane, together with 570 Buddhists from Laos, Cambodia and Việt Nam.

The conference was organised by the Lao Front for National Development and the Lao Buddhist Fellowship Organisation.

Its aim was to strengthen co-operation between the three countries’ Buddhist organisations and promote and develop Lao Buddhism in the region and internationally.

The conference provided a platform for Buddhists to discuss ways to strengthen and grow the relationship and friendship between their three countries. 

Speaking at the conference, Manha-ngon Damrongboun said: “Buddhism plays an important role in the education of monks, novices and the general public. It teaches people to love and help each other and protect Laos’ culture and customs. This conference will help to strengthen co-operation and promote the role of Buddhism in our three countries and further afield.”

Manha-ngon Damrongboun and the leaders of Buddhist groups in Cambodia and Việt Nam signed a Memorandum of Understanding on furthering their co-operation in the spread of Buddhism.

Laos agreed with Cambodia and Việt Nam to arrange Buddhist study tours and to pool experiences in the development of Buddhism.

Representatives of the three countries also agreed to hold workshops and exhibitions relating to Buddhism. Laos agreed to partner with Cambodia and Việt Nam in hosting Buddhist students to study at universities, schools and other centres of education.

After the conference, delegates will visit Buddhist, cultural and historic sites in Luang Prabang province until Wednesday. — Vientiane Times/ANN

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