Hanoi (VNA) - The 9th National BuddhistCongress opened in Hanoi on November 28, with President Nguyen Xuan Phucattending.

The congress, held in accordance with the Charter ofthe Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS), brought together 1,091 delegates, includingBuddhist dignitaries, monks, nuns and followers.

In his opening remarks, Most Venerable Thich ThienNhon, Chairman of the VBS's Executive Council, reviewed the work of theSangha in the 2017-2022 term and called on its monks, nuns and followers tocarry forward the spirit of solidarity and harmony to better take care ofpeople’s well-being and happiness.

The Sangha will continue to accompany the nation towards the 100th founding anniversary in 2045, thus building a Vietnam ofdevelopment, power and prosperity, he pledged.

Addressing the event, President Phuc lauded the VBSand its members for their engagement in patriotic emulation movements launchedby all-level authorities, the Vietnam Fatherland Front and mass organisations in thefields of poverty reduction, new rural area building, environmental protection,climate change response, disease prevention and control, and the fight againstnegative phenomena.

They have played an active role in health care,education, humanitarian aid and social welfare, he continued, noting that they haveraised 7 trillion VND (282.25 million USD) in support of the poor, people withdisabilities, those in difficult circumstances, orphans, homeless seniors andpeople affected by natural disasters and epidemics.

The leader also praised their participation in theCOVID-19 fight, saying thousands of monks, nuns and followers voluntarilyworked in the forefront of the combat, raising funds for the purchase ofvaccines and medical equipment, and presenting tens of millions of giftpackages and meals to needy persons.

He affirmed that the Party and the State persistently pursue the policy of respecting and guaranteeing the right tofreedom of belief and religion, and non-belief and non-religion, as well asequality between religions, ensuring that the practice of religions is conducted in line with laws,charters and regulations recognised by the State.

He asked the VBS to uphold good values of Buddhismand consolidate its position as the only Buddhist organisation in Vietnam formonks, nuns and followers both at home and abroad.

The President also urged ministries, agencies,all-level Party Committees and authorities and the Vietnam Fatherland Front tofurther facilitate the practice of religions in general and Buddhism in particularin accordance with law.

Themed “Discipline - Responsibility - Solidarity -Development”, the congress will review Buddhist activities over the past fiveyears and sketch out tasks for the VBS in the next five years.

One of the important contents of the congress isadjusting the VBS Charter.

Participants will discuss the implementation of 12targets and programmes, focusing on tightening the Sangha's rules in line with theimplementation of responsibilities of Buddhist dignitaries and followers./.