At the reception, the Deputy PM affirmed that Khmer Theravada Buddhism is a major sect of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) which has made great contributions to the religion and the nation.

During the years of war, Khmer Theravada dignitaries and followers actively participated in the struggles for national independence, he said, adding that many Khmer pagodas became revolutionary bases and many Theravada Buddhists sacrificed their lives for the country.

The nation always acknowledged and highly valued contributions made by the Vietnamese Buddhists in general and the Khmer Theravada Buddhist sect in particular, Mr Trong said.

Over the last years, the Party and State have paid due attention to VBS operations as well as policies on religious freedom, national unity and religious solidarity, he added.

The Deputy PM expressed his wish that Vietnamese Buddhism in general and the Khmer Theravada Buddhist sect in particularly would make greater contributions to the country.

He affirmed that the Party and State will adopt suitable policies to ensure religious freedom and create conditions for Buddhists to practise their religion.

On behalf of the delegation, Most Venerable Duong Nhon, Vice President of the VBS Executive Council, thanked the Party and State for their care and attention to Vietnamese Buddhism and the Khmer Theravada Buddhist sect.                   

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