President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan visited Most Venerable Thich Pho Tue, leader of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha’s Patronage Council, and other Buddhist dignitaries, on January 24 to mark the upcoming Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday.

Over past years, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) has always been an active VFF member, President Nhan stated.

The social activities implemented by VBS’s chapters and pagodas have helped disadvantaged people, contributing to consolidating national unity, he said.

The VFF is wiling to help the VBS successfully organise Vesak 2014, a celebration of Buddha’s birthday in Vietnam , Nhan said.

The Most Venerable Thich Pho Tue said he hopes that the VFF will consolidate and strengthen national great solidarity, tightening the close relationship between the people and the Party and State in order to achieve more progress.-VNA