Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc received delegations of theVietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) Central Committee and the Vietnam CatholicChurch’s Episcopal Council on the occasion of the lunar New Year inHanoi on February 13.

The Deputy PM hailed theVBS’s religious activities during the past year, particularly thesuccess of the 2014 United Nations Vesak Festival in Bai Dinh pagoda,the northern province of Ninh Binh, with nearly 1,500 foreign delegatesfrom 95 countries and territories taking part.

Heexpressed hope that the VBS will continue to uphold the motto of“Religion-Nation-Socialism”, encouraging monks and nuns and followersnationwide to contribute more to the nation.

MostVenerable Thich Thanh Nhieu wished that the government will lead thecountry to fulfil the goals of wealthy people, a strong country and afair, democratic and civilised society.

At aseparate meeting with the Vietnam Catholic Church’s Episcopal CouncilVice President, Archbishop Le Van Hong, Deputy PM Phuc said the Partyand State recognised the great contributions that the Catholic communityhave made to the national construction and defence cause.

He reiterated that the Party and State always respect and ensure thepeople’s right to religious and belief freedom, and pursue theconsistent policy to meet the legitimate rights and interests ofreligious followers.

Archbishop Hong said thegovernment has, over the past time, done a lot to bring happiness to thepublic, including the Catholics. He wished the Deputy PM good health inthe new year.

The same day, Phuc met and offeredNew Year greetings to the staff of the Ministry of Public Security’sGeneral Department of Security.

He praised them for their good job in ensuring political security and social safety and order last year.

The Deputy PM stressed an important task for the department in thetime to come which is to ensure security for the 12 th National PartyCongress.-VNA