Vietnam updates religious knowledge for local officials. Vietnam and Laos will increase delegation exchanges and cooperation in training officials in charge of religious work. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The Government Committee for Religious Affairs (GCRA) andthe Lao Front for National Construction (LFNC) will increase delegationexchanges and cooperation in training officials in charge of religious workwhile supporting the two countries’ Buddhist Sanghas in conducting theiractivities.
The two sides reached the agreement during talks between Bui Thanh Ha, deputyhead of the GCRA, and visiting LFNC Vice Chairman Chanthavong Sene Amatmontryin Hanoi on August 23.
They exchanged views on religious situation and shared experience in Statemanagement on religion as well as reviewed the implementation of theircooperation agreement signed in Hanoi in July 2014.
Bothsides agreed that delegation exchanges and experience sharing in religious workhave helped promote Buddhism cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.
The fruitful collaboration between the agencies has contributed to strengtheningthe traditional friendship and comprehensive cooperation between the twocountries and the relations between the two Buddhist Sanghas in particular.
Briefing his guest about the current religious situation in Vietnam, Hahighlighted that religions, especially Buddhism, are developing rapidly inVietnam. The National Assembly has passed the Law on Belief and Religion,creating favourable conditions for religious activities and meeting people’sdemand for religious and belief practices.
He added his committee is building a decree guiding the implementation of thelaw, which will take effect on January 1, 2018.
For his part, the Lao guest said that the Lao Front for National Constructionwill organise a line-up of religious events in the coming time, including theLao-Vietnam-Cambodia Buddhism conference, a conference on religious activitiesof six Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries and a religious festival withthe participation of ASEAN member states.
Laos expects to receive support from Vietnam to successfully host these events,he noted.-VNA
VNA
