The representatives of the overseas Vietnamese and Buddhistcommunity in Thailand are in Vietnam to attend a programme designedspecifically for overseas Vietnamese Buddhist dignitaries and followers – thefirst of its kind held by the Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs - fromMarch 25-30.
President Tran Dai Quang noted that a majority of thepopulation of both Vietnam and Thailand practise Buddhism. He emphasised that thesimilarities in culture, religion and belief between the two countries are thefoundation for them to further strengthen their friendship and cooperation.
The State leader praised the role of the Buddhist An NamTong sect in promoting community solidarity and connecting the Vietnamesecommunity with the Thai authorities and people.
“The system of Buddhist temples and cultural facilities ofVietnamese in Thailand both meet the spiritual and religious needs of theoverseas Vietnamese and strengthen community solidarity and their bonds withthe host country, while help preserve the national identity and educate theyoung overseas Vietnamese on their roots,” he said.
He affirmed the Vietnamese Party and State always considerthe Vietnamese community abroad an integral part of the nation and create allfavourable conditions for them to stabilise their lives in the host country.
The State leader requested the Committee for OverseasVietnamese (OV) Affairs to pay more attention to making policies supportingoverseas Vietnamese.
He also took the occasion to call on the Thai Government andBuddhist Sangha to continue facilitating the popularisation of the Vietnameseculture in the country.-VNA