Deputy PM receives head of US Samaritan’s Purse Int’l Relief

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh yesterday received in Hà Nội President and CEO of the Samaritan’s Purse International Relief (SPIR) of the United States, Pastor Franklin Graham, who is on a working visit to Việt Nam.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh receives President and CEO of the Samaritan’s Purse International Relief (SPIR) of the United States, Pastor Franklin Graham in Hà Nội yesterday. — Photo VGP

HÀ NỘI — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Phạm Bình Minh yesterday received in Hà Nội President and CEO of the Samaritan’s Purse International Relief (SPIR) of the United States, Pastor Franklin Graham, who is on a working visit to Việt Nam.

Stressing Việt Nam as a multi-religious country with beliefs diversified among the Vietnamese people, the deputy PM confirmed Việt Nam always respects and promotes human rights including the right to belief and freedom of religion.

Non-governmental organisations, including SPIR, have supported the country in implementing charitable projects on education and water supply, which have benefited children and poor people, he said.
He expressed his hope that Graham, with his influence and credibility, will contribute to promoting the Việt Nam-US relationship in general and their cooperation and dialogue on belief- and religion-related issues in particular, and increase humanitarian activities in Việt Nam as well.
For his part, Pastor Graham spoke highly of Việt Nam’s policies on ensuring rights to belief and religious freedom.
He affirmed his organisation will continue its humanitarian assistance for Việt Nam and promote cooperation and dialogue on beliefs and religions between the two nations, contributing to further strengthening bilateral relations. — VNS