Deputy Prime Minister Trương Hoà Bình presents flowers to Most Venerable Thích Thiện Nhơn, Chairman of the Việt Nam Buddhist Sangha (VBS)’s Executive Council. — VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY – The Party and the State always respects religious beliefs of the people while ensuring that religious activities are in line with the law, Deputy Prime Minister Trương Hoà Bình reiterated on May 3.
Speaking at a Buddhist pagoda in HCM City, the official, who is a Politburo member, also extended greetings to leading figures and followers of the religion on the occasion of the birthday of Buddha, expressing his belief that they will continue the nation’s path in the motto of “religion, nation and socialism”.
He thanked Buddhists for their contributions to the nation, especially during the ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, and called on them to take an active part in social activities for national construction and defence.
Thanking the attention and facilitation by the Party and State, representatives of the Buddhist community highlighted that over the past two millennia, the religion has been going along with the nation for national interests, towards the building of a peaceful and happy society.
In the future, they pledged to continue upholding the tradition of patriotism, taking an active part in charity activities, fulfilling citizens’ obligations and respecting the law. — VNS