Today Prime Minister Phan Van Khai of Vietnam will visit the United States. His arrival marks the tenth anniversary of the creation of diplomatic relations with Vietnam. In anticipation of the visit, yesterday the House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Human Rights and International Operations held hearings on Human Rights in Vietnam. Witnesses emphasized ongoing issues of religious freedom and religious persecution in that country. Testimony of witnesses is available online (scroll to June 20, 2005 hearings). (See prior related post.) At his press briefing yesterday, President Bush's Press Secretary, Scott McClellan said that talks between the President and the Prime Minister will focus on Vietnam's bid to join the World Trade Organization, accounting for Americans who remain missing from the Viet Nam War, as well as religious freedom and human rights concerns.
Anticipating concerns, Prime Minister Khai wrote an op-ed piece in today's Washington Times. In reviewing a number of developments in his country, Khai wrote: "Vietnam is a country of many religions. Major religions in the world like Buddhism, Catholicism and Protestantism are all present in Vietnam. They exist in harmony with traditional beliefs and indigenous creeds. Indeed, religion is central to the identities of many of my fellow countrymen. It is our consistent policy to regard beliefs and religion as a basic spiritual need of the people. The freedom of religion and of non-religion is respected and protected. We are working with religious groups in Vietnam to strengthen our society. We welcome and appreciate the participation by religious organizations in national construction, national defense and endeavors to improve people's lives."
UPDATE: After Prime Minister Khai's visit to the White House, he and the President issued a joint statement (full text) that included the following: "The two leaders agreed on the importance of continuing an open and candid dialogue on issues of common concern, including human-rights practices and conditions for religious believers and ethnic minorities. The President welcomed Vietnam's efforts to date and encouraged further progress."
