(VOVworld) – President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Nguyen Thien Nhan visited the Vietnam Buddhist Shangha on Tuesday to mark Vesak Day 2016.

Mr. Nhan said Buddhism has continued alongside Vietnam’s history, contributing significantly to the promotion of national patriotism. He said that the strong development of Buddhism is clear evidence of religious freedom in Vietnam.

The Supreme Patriarch of the Vietnam Buddhist Shangha released a message calling on Buddhist followers to help protect the environment and address climate change. Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, Vice President of the Vietnam Buddhist Shangha, said Vietnamese Buddhist followers at home and abroad will continue to unite, uphold Vietnamese Buddhist traditions in the renewal process, contribute to national defense and environmental protection, and promote national unity.