State President Nguyen Minh Triet has affirmed the Party and State's consistent policy of respecting freedom of religion and belief, as well as creating favourable conditions for religious followers to contribute to national development and implement social and religious affairs.

President Triet made the affirmation while receiving bishops of the Vietnam Episcopal Council in Hanoi on September 28.

The State leader stressed that the tradition of great national unity is a source of strength and a driving force behind the cause of national construction and defence.

The President urged the council to encourage Catholic followers to make practical contributions to the cause of national development and help foreign friends better understand Vietnam's renewal achievements as well as its policy on freedom of religion and belief.

Bishop Nguyen Van Hoa, President of the Vietnam Episcopal Council, expressed his thanks to the Party and State for their care for Catholics and joy at the country's achievements in socio-economic development, hunger eradication and poverty reduction over the past years.

The bishops pledged to support and make more contributions to social affairs, poverty reduction and national cultural identity preservation.

Source: VOV