Vietnam’s Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs, Dao Ngoc Dung, emphasized that the country’s Law on Belief and Religion ensures the freedom of religion for its citizens. He expressed hope that Vietnam and the United States will continue to enhance mutual sharing of information and management practices in religious affairs.

Ambassador Knapper praises Vietnam’s progress in religious governance

Ambassador Marc E. Knapper noted that both the United States and Vietnam share a common trait: religious and ethnic diversity. He emphasized that both nations have maintained respectful and constructive dialogue, even when holding differing perspectives, with the shared goal of strengthening bilateral relations.

Comparing his current term in Vietnam with his previous one, Ambassador Knapper acknowledged significant progress in religious and belief-related matters.

“With the enactment of Vietnam’s Law on Belief and Religion, the country can be proud of its progress in religious governance. Leaders of the Party, Government, and National Assembly have actively worked with religious leaders to create inclusive space for both believers and non-believers,” he stated.

The ambassador acknowledged that even in the United States, challenges arise at the local level when implementing religious laws. He highlighted the U.S. experience in educating local leaders and officials to ensure lawful conduct concerning religious freedom.

“Vietnam’s administrative streamlining - merging provinces and eliminating the district level - could create a more conducive environment for effective local governance,” he said.

On lingering questions about Vietnam’s legal framework for religious practices and registration of religious groups at the local level, Ambassador Knapper expressed his desire to gain a better understanding and enhance bilateral cooperation.

Vietnam’s legal system aligns with international standards

Minister Dao Ngoc Dung thanked the U.S. Embassy for its long-standing support in areas such as human rights, trade, and improving living conditions for ethnic minorities and mountainous communities.

He acknowledged that democracy and human rights are global priorities, especially in multi-ethnic, multi-faith countries like Vietnam with extensive international ties and a developing economy.

Minister Dung remarked: “Since Vietnam and the U.S. normalized diplomatic relations, our partnership has never been stronger. It is now strategic, comprehensive, and grounded in mutual trust and shared interests.”

The Minister shared background data: Vietnam has 54 ethnic groups, with ethnic minorities making up 14% of the population. There are 28 million religious followers, 43 recognized religious organizations, and five major religions nationwide.

He reiterated Vietnam’s consistent policy: to respect and ensure citizens’ freedom of belief and religion. Ethnic groups are equal and united, working together for shared progress.

Addressing the ambassador’s concerns, Minister Dung affirmed that Vietnam is actively reforming its legal system and building a transparent, law-based socialist state. Once the government’s administrative restructuring is complete, state management will become more citizen-focused.

While each country has its own legal framework, Vietnam’s legal system respects United Nations principles and aligns with global norms. The Law on Belief and Religion guarantees freedom of belief and religious practice in Vietnam.

“Like the U.S., Vietnam does not restrict religious activities. We only act against those who violate the law. Currently, about 70% of religious facilities nationwide have received land use certificates. Moving forward, we’ll continue directing local authorities to resolve remaining cases and legally empower religious groups to operate in line with their charters and traditions,” the Minister noted.

Minister Dung expressed hope that Vietnam and the U.S. - particularly the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs - will deepen cooperation by sharing valuable insights and experiences in religious management.

He expressed confidence that Ambassador Knapper, during his term, will help improve bilateral understanding and advocate for removing Vietnam from the U.S. Special Watch List (SWL) and ensure it is not placed on the Countries of Particular Concern (CPC) list.

The meeting also covered ethnic minority development, support for identifying the remains of Vietnamese war martyrs, and efforts to locate missing Americans from the war era.

Binh Minh