The event was attended by a delegation of the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) Central Committee, the Gyalwang Drukpa – head of the Drukpa Order, and representatives of the Buddhist community in Russia and the Drukpa Lineage in India.

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Ngo Duc Manh said throughout Vietnam’s history, Buddhism has always stood side by side with the nation. The Vietnamese Government always respects the religion’s beautiful ethical values that suit the country’s traditional culture and moral standards.

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The Gyalwang Drukpa (R) presents a gift to Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Ngo Duc Manh at the exchange

Vietnamese people in Russia have always turned their hearts to the Buddha and the Fatherland, he noted, adding that thanks to the support of the VBS and Vietnamese and Russian authorities, the community has built some pagodas and places of worship in Moscow and other localities of Russia.

Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, Standing Vice Chairman of the Executive Council of the VBS Central Committee, said the cultural exchange was an occasion for Buddhist followers of the three countries to enhance cooperation and solidarity to popularize the Buddha’s teachings to bring happiness and peace to all people.

On behalf of the VBS, he thanked the Russian Government and people for supporting the relationship in Buddhism with Vietnam.

Meanwhile, the Gyalwang Drukpa expressed his hope that through this exchange, Buddhist followers of the three countries would have closer cooperation and jointly hold activities to disseminate Buddhism, which would generate major benefits for the Vietnamese, the Russian as well as people around the world.

Source: VNA