VGP – Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang answered a reporter’s query about Viet Nam’s reactions to the information about religious situations in Viet Nam referred in the annual report 2019 of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom at a press conference on May 9.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang

Hang said that the report recognized achievements and progress in the work of ensuring and promoting religious life in Viet Nam, but it still announces non-objective evaluations and false information about Viet Nam. 

The consistent policy of the State of Viet Nam is to respect and ensure the right of freedom of religion and belief and non-religion and non-belief for all citizens, which is clearly stated in Viet Nam’s constitution and law, and guaranteed and respected in reality.

Over the years, Viet Nam has continuously improved its legal system and policies in the field, especially approving the Law on Belief and Religion, as well as decrees guiding the implementation of this law.

The practice of belief and religion is ensured with the annual organization of thousands of religious festivals and activities, she said, adding that 95% of Viet Nam’s population practice a belief or religion, and more than 24.3 million are followers of religions, accounting for 27% of the population.

The country has 53,000 religious dignitaries and 28,000 places of worship. Viet Nam holds an abundance of religious events, with over 8,000 religious festivals annually. 

Religious organizations also actively participate in international exchange and cooperation activities. The nation has hosted many major international religious events such as the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation in 2017 and the United Nations Day of Vesak for the third time this year.

*Referring issues related to trade conflicts between the U.S. and China, the Spokesperson said that: Viet Nam expects the two nations will soon address disputes through dialogues and negotiations based on the spirit of mutual respect, cooperation and knowledge in line with the international laws and commitments, making contributions to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world. 

*When asked about the Democratic People's Republic of Korea’s recent launching two short-range missiles, Hang asserted that Viet Nam’s consistent policy is to advocate the peaceful process and denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, expecting the related sides to enhance dialogues for peace, security, stability, cooperation and development in the Korean Peninsula, the region and the world.