Heritage values of religious diversity and their contributions to the
Vietnamese society occupied the top position at an international
workshop in Hanoi on September 25.
Co-hosted by the
Government Committee for Religious Affairs and the European Union
delegation to Vietnam, the event is part of the comprehensive Vietnam –
EU partnership and cooperation agreement to bolster bilateral ties.
Participants analysed Vietnam’s achievements in promoting and
ensuring religious freedom, legal framework on beliefs and religions,
and Vietnam’s commitments to protecting and promoting human rights,
including religious freedom.
They also looked into the EU’s experience and working models of religious sects.
Addressing the event, deputy head of the committee Nguyen Thanh Xuan
stated that Vietnam is home to major religions such as Buddhism,
Catholicism, Islam and Caodaism whose heritages are enriching the
Vietnamese culture.
Ambassador and head of the EU delegation
to Vietnam Franz Jessen made it clear that religious freedom is a
fundamental human right and a topic of mutual interest of Vietnam and
the EU.
Up to 80 percent of the Vietnamese population
perform religious practices. 24 million of them from 40 religious groups
recognised by the State.-VNA