On the morning of September 23, Pham Thi No, alongside representatives from the Departments of Planning and Investment, Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, Internal Affairs, and the provincial police, met with the delegation led by Rustum Nyquist, Political Officer of the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, and Cao Nha Phuong, Political Assistant.

During the meeting, the U.S. Consulate delegation discussed Vinh Long's economic development, gender-based violence, human trafficking, and human rights issues, including freedom of religion.

Specific cases such as the Dai Tho Pagoda and the unauthorized construction of a "Lecture Hall" on local land were highlighted.

Vinh Long representatives shared the Party and State's policies on socio-economic development and social welfare, emphasizing their commitment to the well-being of ethnic communities in the province.

They clarified that the provincial authorities were enforcing court rulings regarding unauthorized construction rather than targeting religious institutions or individuals.

The province affirmed that law enforcement actions adhered to legal regulations and that Vietnam respects freedom of belief and religion, ensuring the right to follow or not follow any religion.

No independent Cao Dai leaders in the province have faced questioning or travel bans for religious reasons.

The U.S. delegation visited the Office of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in Vinh Long Province, located at the Phat Ngoc Xa Loi Pagoda. The meeting was attended by Venerable Thich Le Lac, Head of the Vinh Long Provincial Buddhist Sangha.

The delegation expressed interest in the organization of Buddhist activities in the province, including the collaboration between Theravada Khmer Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism. Venerable Thich Le Lac provided an overview of the Buddhist community, highlighting the government’s support for religious activities and the harmonious relationships between religious groups, particularly Theravada Khmer and Mahayana Buddhists.

He reaffirmed that any arrests and prosecutions in Vinh Long are based on violations of Vietnam’s criminal laws, not related to religious practices. Additionally, there are no American-owned or operated pagodas in the province, though Vietnamese-Americans visiting relatives often pay visits to local pagodas.

The U.S. Consulate delegation appreciated the warm reception and praised the political stability and socio-economic progress of Vinh Long Province.

They acknowledged the local government’s efforts to care for ethnic and religious communities and expressed hope for continued collaboration. The U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City aims to further strengthen the cooperative relationship between the U.S. and Vietnam, particularly with Vinh Long Province.

PV