Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) and Pastor Franklin Graham (Source: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh hosted a reception for visiting President and CEO of the Samaritan’s Purse International Relief (SPIR) of the US, Pastor Franklin Graham in Hanoi on December 7.
During the meeting, the Vietnamese leader stressed that Vietnam always respects and promotes human rights, including rights to belief and religion freedom, adding that Vietnam is a multi-religious country and Vietnamese people’s beliefs are diverse.
Non-governmental organisations, including SPIR, have supported Vietnam in implementing charitable projects on education and water supply, which have been benefiting children and poor people, he said.
He expressed his hope that Graham, with his influence and credibility, will contribute to promoting the Vietnam-US relationship in general and their cooperation and dialogue on belief and religion-related issues in particular, and increase humanitarian activities in Vietnam as well.
For his part, Pastor Graham spoke highly of Vietnam’s policies on ensuring rights to belief and religion freedom.
He affirmed his organisation will continue its humanitarian assistance for Vietnam and promote cooperation and dialogue on beliefs and religions between the two nations, contributing to further strengthening the bilateral relations.-VNA
VNA
