Ambassador Kohdayar Marri had a meeting with Venerable Thich Duc Thien, Secretary General of Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, the only Buddhist organization recognized in the country to discuss prospects of fostering closer Buddhist linkages between Pakistan and Vietnam.

During the meeting, Ambassador highlighted rich Buddhist heritage comprising of holy relics, archaeological sites and museums and thanked the Secretary General for visiting Pakistan to attend Gandhara Symposium in Islamabad in 2023. He also conveyed my appreciation for participation by three Monks from Vietnam Buddhist Sangha in the symposium and exhibition on Vesak Day 2024 in Islamabad. He also urged Monk Thien to promote Pakistan’s Buddhist heritage among Buddhist followers in Vietnam and beyond.

Secretary General Monk Thien expressed gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for invitations and noted that Pakistan, being the birthplace of Mahayana Buddhism, held a very special status for Buddhists all over the world. He also recalled that during his visit to Islamabad Taxila, he had the privilege to observe numerous sacred Buddhist relics. He hoped that due to efforts by the Government of Pakistan, the number of Buddhist tourists would significantly increase in future.