The Government Committee for Religious Affairs and relevant State management agencies will focus their efforts on completing the legal framework for religious affairs in 2014, particularly revising the Ordinance on Belief and Religion.

In addition, the committee will strengthen external relations, consolidate State-level cooperation and combat hostile forces in terms of religion and human rights.

These are among the tasks set at a conference to review the performance of State management regarding religious affairs in 2013 and implementing 2014 duties, held in Hanoi on December 19.

In the following year, the agencies will also give guidance to religious organisations in how to organise conferences, national and international meetings in accordance with the law and the organisations’ charters.

According to the committee, in 2013, State management of religious affairs was strengthened and made more effective, making positive changes in religious life.

Major religious festivals and rituals were held solemnly, attracting a large number of followers and other people, thus building their trust in the State and Party’s consistent policy on religious affairs.

During the year, religious-related external relations were promoted, creating conditions for the religions to join international activities, thus enriching Vietnam’s comprehensive international integration policy, the committee added.

The committee and State management agencies spent time dealing with arising religious affairs and putting forth recommendations to the Government on the issue.-VNA