Vietnam Calls on US to Objectively Assess Religion and Belief Situation
	VUFO President Phan Anh Son Receives Delegation of the Global Collaborative Community

On December 5, in Hanoi, as part of their visit to Vietnam, the Delegation of the Global Collaborative Community, led by pastor Bob Roberts, President of the Institute for Global Engagement (IGE), held a working session with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Overview of the working session (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

At the working session, Ho Huong Giang, Deputy Director of the Department of American Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, briefed the delegation on significant achievements in Vietnam-US relations, including cooperation in the fields of human rights and freedom of religion. She expressed her gratitude for the support and positive contributions of US partners to the cause of the national building and development of Vietnam.

The pastors suggested that Vietnam actively promote its achievements, especially in freedom of religion and human rights on various media platforms to enhance international understanding of the country and its people.

On the same day, the delegation met with the Government Committee for Religious Affairs. At the meeting, Nguyen Tien Trong, Vice Chairman of the Committee provided an overview of religions and religious policy in Vietnam

Overview of the working session (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Vietnam is home to approximately 27 million religious followers, accounting for about 30% of the population. As a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country, the Vietnamese government has consistently respected and implemented policies that ensure citizens’ rights to freedom of belief and religion, including the right to practice or not practice a religion. These policies emphasize equality and solidarity among religions.

The 2016 Law on Belief and Religion embodies Vietnam’s steadfast commitment to respecting its citizens' freedom of belief and religion.

During their visit, the pastors shared positive impressions of Vietnam’s people, culture, and notable progress in development. They expressed their intent to introduce Vietnam’s vibrant, welcoming, religiously diverse, and freedom to the US government, American citizens, and international friends.

Overview of the working session (Photo: Thu Phuong)

On December 4, the delegation visited and held discussions at the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics.

At the meeting, Associate Professor Dr. Hoang Van Nghia, Director-General of the International Cooperation Department of the Academy, highlighted the Academy's role in training officials within Vietnam's political system. He also praised the outcomes of the six-year collaboration between IGE and the Academy’s Institute for Religious Studies and Beliefs in the fields of religion and the rule of law.

Pastor Bob Roberts proposed that the Academy and IGE enhance their cooperation in the coming years. Specifically, he suggested co-organizing international conferences, workshops, and training sessions on religion and the rule of law in 2025. These activities aim to provide international audiences with deeper insights into Vietnam's religious practices, policies, and legal framework.

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