On the afternoon of January 22, in anticipation of the upcoming Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026, Deputy Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Nguyen Hai Trung led a delegation to visit and extend New Year wishes to Archbishop Nguyen Nang - President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Vietnam - at the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister Trung emphasised that the traditional Lunar New Year holds a sacred significance for all Vietnamese people. It is a time that embodies deep emotional values and a spirit of community, transcending religious differences.

Reflecting on the past year, he noted that despite global upheavals, Vietnam achieved important progress in economic development, political stability, social welfare, and international standing.

“These national achievements reflect the valuable contributions of bishops, priests, religious figures, and Catholic followers across the country through practical actions rooted in compassion and solidarity,” he remarked.

Addressing religious policy, Deputy Minister Trung reaffirmed that the Party and State consistently respect and guarantee freedom of belief and religion, creating favourable conditions for religious organisations to operate in accordance with the Constitution and law.

He also shared that the Ministry is actively consulting religious communities on amendments to the Law on Belief and Religion. The goal is to refine the legal framework and facilitate diverse and meaningful religious practices.

He expressed his hope that the Catholic community would continue to promote the spirit of great national solidarity, walking alongside the country in its journey into a new era of growth and renewal.

“With the spirit of a synodal Church, I believe that Catholic leaders and followers will continue to journey with the Party and State, contributing to the construction of a prosperous, strong, democratic, equitable and civilised Vietnam that stands proudly among global powers,” he said.

Earlier, Deputy Minister Nguyen Hai Trung and officials from the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs and the Government Committee for Religious Affairs also paid Tet visits to the Executive Committee of the Evangelical Church of Vietnam (South), the Minh Ly Dao Tam Tong Mieu, and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha.

At the 5th annual plenary session of the 9th term (2022–2027) of the Executive Council of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, the Deputy Minister extended Tet greetings to the Supreme Patriarch, Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang, and acknowledged the Sangha’s significant achievements over the past year.

He praised the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha for continuing to assert its position as a respected and responsible religious organisation, both within the country and on the international stage.

Quoc Ngoc