Vietnam, Indonesia look to beef up religious cooperation
A delegation of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs led by its Vice Chairman Nguyen Tien Trong had a working session on September 8 with the delegation of the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs led by Head of Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) Muhammad Aqil Irham.
Vice Chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs Nguyen Tien Trong (L) and Head of Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) Muhammad Aqil Irham.
Jakarta (VNA) – A delegation of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs led by its Vice Chairman Nguyen Tien Trong had a working session on September 8 with the delegation of the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs led by Head of Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) Muhammad Aqil Irham.
Speaking at the Jakarta session, the Vietnamese official said as a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country, the State of Vietnam always respects right to freedom of religion and belief, and consistently pursues the policy of respecting and guaranteeing the right to freedom of citizens to follow or not to follow any religion.
Regarding the Muslim community, Trong said that Vietnam has the Islam and Bani religions, with most of the believers being Cham people living in 13 localities across the country.
There have been six Islamic organisations recognised by the State of Vietnam at the provincial and city levels, he added
The Vietnamese official said he hopes the Government Committee for Religious Affairs and the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs will continue sharing information on the religious situation, policies and laws on religion of each country; and cooperate in guiding and creating conditions for religions, especially Islam, to integrate and promote their role in creating an increasingly stable and better society, and for ASEAN community’s peace and prosperity.
Regarding the Halal issue, the Government Committee for Religious Affairs proposed the Indonesian side to strengthen cooperation with and support Vietnam in developing Halal standards; recognise Halal certificates to create favourable conditions for Vietnam's Halal products to enter the Indonesian market.
For his part, Muhammad Aqil Irham affirmed that Indonesia and Vietnam have similarities in terms of religious harmony and the policy of respecting religious freedom.
The Indonesian side also agreed to strengthen the Muslim relationship between the two countries through the exchange of teachings and rituals, and training activities.
Indonesia is willing to cooperate with Vietnam in the Halal field, contributing to promoting the bilateral economic and trade cooperation, Irham stressed./.
Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh has affirmed that the Vietnamese Government supports its Committee for Religious Affairs and the Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC) to enhance cooperation in religious affairs.
Ho Chi Minh City always respects and treasures the sound relations with Cambodia’s ministries, branches and localities, helping consolidate the traditional neighborly friendship between the two countries, said Standing Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Le Thanh Liem.
Chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs (GCRA) of Vietnam Vu Chien Thang and Chanthavong Senamathmonti, Vice President of the Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC) Central Committee held talks in Vientiane on April 5 to discuss ways to foster religious cooperation between the two countries.
A visiting delegation of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs, headed by its Chairman Vu Hoai Bac, held talks to those from the Lao Front for National Development (LFND) Central Committee in the Lao capital of Vientiane on June 7.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
The Party chief attributed the achievements in the first half to the continuous, direct, and comprehensive leadership of the Politburo and the Secretariat of the Party Central Committee, and the close and effective coordination of relevant ministries, sectors and localities.
General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the VPA’s General Staff and Deputy Minister of National Defence reaffirmed Vietnam’s unwavering gratitude for Cuba’s invaluable support during its struggle for independence and nation-building efforts, and pledged to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Cuba as it navigates current challenges.
Vice Chairman of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs Nguyen Tien Trong (L) and Head of Halal Product Assurance Agency (BPJPH) Muhammad Aqil Irham. 
