Vietnam always respects and consistently implements a policy of ensuring citizens’ right to freedom of religion and belief and to follow or not follow a religion, guarantees equality and non-discrimination based on religion or belief, and protects operations of religious organisations in line with the law, the Foreign Ministry's spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang has said.
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 policy
of ensuring citizens’ right to freedom of religion and belief and to follow or
not follow a religion, guarantees equality and non-discrimination based on religion
or belief, and protects operations of religious organisations in line with
the law, the Foreign Ministry's spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang has said.
During the ministry’s regular press conference in Hanoi on May 13, Hang
affirmed that Vietnam acknowledges the US Secretary of State’s International
Religious Freedom Report 2020, which mentions the country’s efforts in ensuring
and 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 freedom
of religion and belief have been widely welcomed by the international community.
It always stands ready to engage in straightforward and open discussions
with the US in a constructive spirit on issues where the two sides still have differences, to increase
mutual understanding and contribute to the development of the bilateral
comprehensive 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 Israel
and the Palestinian territories over recent days that have killed and injured
civilians.
Vietnam called on all parties concerned to exercise restraint, end the escalation
of tensions, and deal with the conflict via peaceful measures, thus ensuring the
safety and legitimate interests of people.
Regarding the East Jerusalem issue, she affirmed Vietnam’s consistent
stance that every solution needs to observe international law, especially relevant
UN resolutions./.