Truong Thi Mai, a member of the Politburo and head of the Party Central Committee’s Mass Mobilisation Commission, welcomed Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, vice president of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha’s Executive Council, for a meeting held on February 5 in Hanoi.

The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha's Executive Council leader (L)
vows to work hard to promote national unity, during the February 5
meeting with Truong Thi Mai, a member of the Politburo and
head of the Party Central Committee’s Mass Mobilisation Commission.
(Photo: VNA)

Most Venerable Nhieu said that last year the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) and its chapters nationwide united with people throughout the country in an effort to support those impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and natural disasters. They also inquired about the living conditions of soldiers garrisoned in borders and at sea who are protecting national sovereignty and ensuring peace for the nation.

The spiritual leader stressed that Buddhist followers fully support the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam led by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, noting the success of the recently-concluded 13th National Party Congress.

According to the senior monk, this year will see the VBS celebrate its 40th founding anniversary and hold congresses at a grassroots level. He therefore expressed his hope that the VBS will receive support from the Mass Mobilisation Commission in order to make these events a great success.

In response, Mai affirmed that the success of the recent Party Congress will help to boost the spirit and aspirations of the Vietnamese people in their efforts to elevate the nation’s image to new heights globally.

She also lauded the VBS’s various contributions to the cause of national development in recent times, especially in joint efforts aimed at combatting the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. She requested that the Buddhist organisation continue to encourage its dignitaries and followers to fully implement COVID-19 prevention and control measures.

Mai also proposed that the VBS strive to uphold its recent achievements in order to develop a strong Buddhist congregation, while also preserving and promoting its Buddhist and national cultural traditions.

She concluded by extending Lunar New Year greetings to Most Venerable Nhieu, other VBS dignitaries, and Buddhist followers nationwide.