– Vice President Dang Thi Ngoc Thinh highlighted the great contributions that the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS), Buddhist dignitaries and followers have made to national construction and development during her visits to several Buddhist establishments in Ho Chi Minh City on May 7.The Vice President made the visits to extend congratulations on behalf of the Party and State to the VBS, Buddhist dignitaries and followers on the occasion of the Buddha’s birthday anniversary and the United Nations Day of Vesak 2019 to be held in Vietnam this month.Talking to Vice President of the VBS Executive Council Most Venerable Thich Thien Tam at Pho Minh Pagoda in Go Vap district, Vice President Thinh emphasized that the Party and State have always appreciated the role of Buddhism in national development.She noted that Vietnamese Buddhism has made big strides forward in international integration, with offices in 33 countries and territories along with more than 400 Vietnamese pagodas worldwide.The Vice President said Vietnam’s hosting of the UN Day of Vesak for the third time this year demonstrates the enhanced position of Vietnamese Buddhism in the international arena.Most Venerable Thich Thien Tam expressed gratitude to the Party and State for the attention they pay to the VBS in general and Theravada Buddhism in particular.He also thanked the Party and State for creating favourable conditions for the VBS to successfully organize Vesak celebrations, thus helping enhance the position and prestige of Vietnamese Buddhism in the world.-VNA