National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan addressed the plenary discussion of the 137th Assembly of the Inter-parliamentary Union (IPU)

She said only tolerance, sincere talks, and mutual respect, trust, and understanding between nations can create peace for the world. Ms. Ngan said scientific and technological development helps connect countries, politics, economies, and especially cultures and religions for co-development. During Vietnam’s national construction and development, people of various ethnic groups and religions live harmoniously to jointly preserve and promote the culture of Vietnam and of each ethnic group. The Chairwoman reiterated the Vietnamese State’s incentives for ethnic minority groups to develop equally and to narrow the wealth gap. All religions are equal before law and religious belief is respected. The Vietnamese National Assembly approved the Law on Belief and Religion in 2016 and has conducted regular oversight to ensure citizens’ rights of participation, Ms. Ngan added.