Joining the delegation were Vu Hoai Bac, Head of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs; Nguyen Van Dong, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs; along with officials from the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs and the city’s Department of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.

At the meeting, participants reflected on the successful organization of previous Vesak celebrations in Vietnam, particularly Vesak 2025, which was held in Ho Chi Minh City for the first time. The Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City served as a key venue that welcomed numerous international delegations, and it is also expected to host the National Buddhist Congress this coming November.

Speaking during the visit, Minister Nguyen Dinh Khang noted that, on the occasion of Vesak, the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs had organized multiple delegations to visit and congratulate senior Buddhist dignitaries, monks and nuns across the country.

Visiting the Vietnam Buddhist Academy in Ho Chi Minh City, the minister conveyed his best wishes to the venerable monks and Buddhist leaders for a peaceful and joyful Vesak season. He encouraged them to continue promoting the tradition of protecting the nation and serving the people while accompanying the country on its path toward prosperity, civilization and development.

The minister acknowledged the Academy’s longstanding contributions throughout Vietnam’s struggle for national liberation and its ongoing role in national construction and development.

He also praised the role of Buddhist education in training young monks and nuns to live and practice according to authentic Buddhist teachings. He expressed hope that the Executive Council would continue guiding Buddhist students to uphold the tradition of Buddhism accompanying the nation and contribute to building a strong, prosperous and civilized Vietnam.

Minister Nguyen Dinh Khang further emphasized that the State has recently adopted amendments to the Law on Belief and Religion, reaffirming the right to freedom of belief and religion for all Vietnamese citizens.

Commitment to Buddhist values and national development

Representing the Executive Council, Venerable Thich Giac Dung, member of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha and Vice Rector of the Vietnam Buddhist Academy, expressed gratitude and appreciation for the delegation’s visit during the Vesak season.

The Venerable affirmed that the Academy and its Executive Council consistently comply with State laws, follow the teachings of the Buddha and strictly observe the Charter of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha under the guiding principle of “Dharma - Nation - Socialism.”

He said these efforts contribute to bringing peace, happiness and well-being to Buddhist followers and the broader community.

Following the meeting, members of the Executive Council and the visiting delegation toured the Tri Quang Library, where they were introduced to the library’s model as well as the Academy’s educational and research activities.

Nguyen Hue - Tuan Hung