"Vietnam's consistent policy is to respect and guarantee the right to freedom of belief and religion," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang stated on 19/12, in response to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) publishing an updated report on Vietnam.

Hang declared that Vietnam rejects the biased and inaccurate assessments regarding the actual situation in Vietnam presented in the USCIRF report published on 9/12.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson affirmed that in Vietnam, no one faces discrimination due to religious or belief reasons, and legal regulations guarantee the activities of religious organizations.

The 2013 Constitution and Vietnam's legal system clearly demonstrate this, and it is respected in practice. Many countries have acknowledged and highly praised Vietnam's policies, efforts, and achievements in ensuring human rights, including freedom of religion and belief.

"We have been, are, and will continue to engage in discussions with the US on issues of mutual concern in a frank, open, and mutually respectful spirit, contributing to promoting the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development between Vietnam and the US," the spokesperson added.

Ngoc Anh