Politburo member and Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh (sixth, left) visit the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha Central Committee in Hanoi on May 6 (Photo: VNA)

He said Buddha’s birthday, which falls on May 7 this year, is not only an important religious event for Buddhists in Vietnam but also an international celebration recognized by the UN General Assembly in 1999.

Deputy PM Binh noted that as the pandemic’s developments remain unpredictable, the VBS should continue encouraging monks, nuns, and followers to comply with Party and State directives on prevention and control of the disease, limit mass gatherings, organize religious activities that suit the situation, and contribute to national development.

Most Venerable Thich Thanh Nhieu, Permanent Vice President of the VBS Executive Council, said that the Sangha will continue to request monks, nuns, and followers to adhere to Party and State directives, thus helping promote economic growth and ensure social security.