President Nguyen Xuan Phuc congratulated Buddhist dignitaries and followers on Sunday attended a grand meeting to mark the 40th anniversary of the Vietnamese Buddhist Sangha

To mark the occasion, Party leader Nguyen Phu Trong, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, and National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue sent congratulatory flowers.

In his address, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc said Vietnam always acknowledges great contribution of Buddhism  to national liberation, construction, defense, and development and its crucial role in strengthening national unity. President Phuc said, ’The 2000-year-history of Vietnamese Buddhism is the history of patriotic Buddhists. Throughout the history of patriotic Buddhism to the Ho Chi Minh era, in any period, in war to defend the nation or in peace to develop the country, Vietnamese Buddhism is closely associated with national history with many role models in safeguarding the nation and helping the people. During Vietnam’s resistance wars against French colonialists and American imperialists, thousands of Buddhist dignitaries and followers were patriots standing side by side with the entire people to fight against the enemies. Many pagodas served as revolutionary bases. Many monks and nuns sacrificed for the nation.'

With compassion and sharing spirit, the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha has contributed to humanitarian activities, socials security, and the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.