A delegation of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) Central Committee ledby Permanent Vice President of the VBS Executive Board Most VenerableThich Thanh Nhieu on January 22 visited the Vietnam Fatherland Front(VFF) Central Committee on the occasion of the Lunar New Year (Tet)festival.

Vu Trong Kim, Vice President and General Secretaryof the VFF Central Committee, highly valued contributions made by theVBS to the national construction and development.

He voicedhis hope that the sangha will continue its close coordination with theVFF Central Committee’s Standing Board to encourage Buddhist followersto actively take part in patriotic movements, humanitarian activitiesand poverty reduction.

Most Venerable Nhieu committed thatthe sangha, together with Buddhist followers, will always support thenation and play an active part in movements contributing to thecountry’s development.

The same day, a delegation of theEpiscopal Council of the Catholic Church of Vietnam headed by itsPresident Bui Van Doc also extended New Year greetings to the VFFCentral Committee.

On receiving them, Kim affirmed Catholicfollowers’ contributions to the country’s development achievements,voicing his hope that they will do more for national construction,defence and unity.

In reply, Doc pledged that Catholics willlead good secular and religious lives and join hands with peoplenationwide on the path towards progress and prosperity.-VNA