An event within the UN Day of Vesak in 2019 in Thai Binh province (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) - Vietnam always respects and consistently implements a policyof ensuring citizens’ right to freedom of religion and belief and to follow ornot follow a religion, guarantees equality and non-discrimination based on religionor belief, and protects operations of religious organisations in line withthe law, the Foreign Ministry's spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang has said.
During the ministry’s regular press conference in Hanoi on May 13, Hangaffirmed that Vietnam acknowledges the US Secretary of State’s InternationalReligious Freedom Report 2020, which mentions the country’s efforts in ensuringand promoting religion and belief.
However, she said the report contains non-objective opinions based on incorrect information on the situation in Vietnam, adding that the nation's efforts and achievements in ensuring citizens’ right to freedomof religion and belief have been widely welcomed by the international community.
It always stands ready to engage in straightforward and open discussionswith the US in a constructive spirit on issues where the two sides still have differences, to increasemutual understanding and contribute to the development of the bilateralcomprehensive partnership, the spokeswoman said.
Asked to comment on the recent escalating conflict in the Gaza Strip,Hang said Vietnam has kept a close watch and is deeply concerned about escalating violence in Israeland the Palestinian territories over recent days that have killed and injuredcivilians.
Vietnam called on all parties concerned to exercise restraint, end the escalationof tensions, and deal with the conflict via peaceful measures, thus ensuring thesafety and legitimate interests of people.
Regarding the East Jerusalem issue, she affirmed Vietnam’s consistentstance that every solution needs to observe international law, especially relevantUN resolutions./.
