(VNA) - The Party and State always respect religious beliefs and create conditions for religious practice in Vietnam within the framework of the law. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung made the affirmation at a reception for the Most Venerable Thich Chon Thien, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha’s Executive Council, in Hanoi on Tuesday.

The Most Venerable Thich Chon Thien hands Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung a Buddhist scripture (Photo:  VGP)

Dung congratulated the Sangha on the success of the 7th National Buddhist Congress for the 2012-2017 term, saying it reflects the solidarity of the Sangha and Vietnamese Buddhism. He affirmed that the Government strongly supports the adoption by the congress of a charter representing the motto “Religion-Nation-Socialism”. Dung spoke highly of Vietnamese Buddhism’s contributions to the struggle for national independence in the past and current socio-economic development. He expressed his hope that the Sangha will uphold solidarity and continue to make contributions to the nation. Thien said the Sangha will always go along with the nation.