More than 100 representatives from state agencies and embassies of European Union (EU) member states in Vietnam, foreign experts and religious dignitaries gathered at a seminar in Hanoi on October 8 to discuss policies and laws that aim to guarantee freedom of belief and religion in Vietnam.
The seminar aims to provide a panorama on the religious situation in Vietnam as well as a roadmap to improve policies and laws on beliefs and religions, showing the country’s willingness to dialogue with the EU on religious issues, thus increasing mutual understanding in the field.
Participants talked about Vietnam’s achievements in fostering and ensuring freedom of religion and belief, the building of its legal framework on this field and its international commitments to protecting and promoting human rights in terms of religious freedom.
The EU members’ experience in religious affairs and their efforts to protect religious freedom and values were also shared at the seminar.
Vietnam always respects and protects the people’s right to freedom of belief and religion through improving policies and laws on the matter, said Bui Thanh Ha, Deputy Head of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs.
Meanwhile, Juan Zaratiegui, Political Advisor of the EU Delegation to Vietnam, said the union regarded the protection of the right to religious freedom for all as an indispensable part in its external policies, pledging the EU was willing to support Vietnam in drafting the Law on Belief and Religion.- (VLLF)
