President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Huynh Dam on May 3 visited Most Venerable Thich Pho Tue, Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha’s Patronage Council, at Vien Minh pagoda in Phu Xuyen district, Hanoi , on the occasion of the Buddha’s 2556th birthday.

President Dam extended his best wishes for the good health of the Patriarch, Buddhist dignitaries, monks and nuns and followers on the occasion and highlighted their active involvement in patriotic emulation campaigns.

He said he believes the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and followers nationwide and abroad will contribute to the strong national unity for the goal of a strong country with rich people and a just, democratic and civilised society.

He took the occasion to wish the upcoming 7 th National Congress of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha every success.

Most Venerable Thich Pho Tue said the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha will further urge its followers to actively participate in humanitarian activities and contribute to national defence and construction and improving people’s living standards.-VNA