On the afternoon of January 11, a reporter asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to comment on the US continuing to put Vietnam on a special watch list for religious freedom.

Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang affirmed that Vietnam's consistent policy is to respect and ensure human rights as well as freedom of belief and religion of the people. This is clearly shown in the 2013 Constitution and Vietnam's legal system and is also guaranteed to be respected in practice.

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Spokesperson responded to the press conference this afternoon.

The spokesperson stated that Vietnam's efforts and achievements in ensuring human rights, including ensuring freedom of belief and religion, have been recognized by the international community in recent times.

"Vietnam regrets and requests that the US not put Vietnam on the Special Watch List for Religious Freedom. There needs to be an objective assessment based on accurate and comprehensive information about the situation of freedom of belief and religion in Vietnam," Ms. Hang emphasized.

Vietnam is willing to discuss with the US on issues of mutual concern in a spirit of frankness, openness and mutual respect, contributing to promoting the comprehensive strategic partnership for peace, cooperation and sustainable development between Vietnam and the US.

Vietnam is ready to discuss with the US on remaining religious differences.

Vietnam is ready to discuss with the US on remaining religious differences.

The US State Department has reported an unbiased assessment of the religious situation in Vietnam. Vietnam is always ready to discuss with the US in a spirit of frankness, openness and mutual respect.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs speaks out as US puts Vietnam on 'religious freedom list'

Ministry of Foreign Affairs speaks out as US puts Vietnam on 'religious freedom list'

The US's inclusion of Vietnam on the "Special Watch List for Religious Freedom" is based on inaccurate information about religious freedom and belief in Vietnam.