Vietnam respects right to freedom of religion and belief: Deputy spokesperson
As a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country with diverse religious and belief life, the Vietnamese State consistently implements a policy of respecting and guaranteeing a citizen's right to freedom of religion and belief, and the right to follow or not follow any religion; ensuring equality and non-discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief; and protecting activities of religious organisations by law, stated the Foreign Ministry’s Deputy Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang on May 18.
Foreign Ministry’s Deputy Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – As a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country with diverse religious and belief life, the Vietnamese State consistently implements a policy ofrespecting and guaranteeing a citizen's right to freedom ofreligion and belief, and the right to follow or not follow any religion; ensuringequality and non-discrimination on the grounds of religion or belief; andprotecting activities of religious organisations by law, stated the ForeignMinistry’s Deputy Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang on May 18.
Hang made the remarks in reply to reporters’queries about Vietnam’s reaction to the US Department of State’s annual Report on International Religious Freedom on May 15,2023 and the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)’s annual report on international religious freedom in 2023, during the ministry's regular press conference.
"These rights are prescribedin the Constitution of Vietnam, the Law on Belief and Religion 2016 and relatedlegal documents; and are guaranteed to be respected in practice," the deputy spokesperson stressed.
Although the reports of the USCIRF and the US Department of State have noted some progress of Vietnam in promoting religiousfreedom and cited official information of Vietnamese Government’s agencies,they have still presented subjective observations based on unverified andinaccurate information about the actual situation in Vietnam, she said.
🉐 “As we have affirmed many times, Vietnam is alwaysready to discuss with the US side on issues of mutual concern in the spirit offrankness, openness and mutual respect on issues in which the two sides still have differences, thus contributingto promoting the Vietnam – US comprehensive partnership”, Hang stated./.
The Vietnamese delegation, led by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang, made active contributions to the agenda of the 52nd regular session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) that concluded in Geneva on April 4.
The 52nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) from February 27 to April 4 was the first that Vietnam attended in its capacity as a council member for 2023-2025.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Vietnam, organised an international workshop on “Experience in reporting under the UPR mechanism.”
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.
Foreign Ministry’s Deputy Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang (Photo: VNA) 
