President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Pham The Duyet praised followers of Caodaism for their worthy contributions to national construction and defence since the religion's inception 82 years ago.

He made the compliment in a letter to Cao Dai dignitaries and followers on celebrations of the 82nd founding anniversary of Caodaism and the 60th year of President Ho Chi Minh's visit to the Cao Dai temple in Hanoi.

He wrote, "Caodaism has made numerous achievements alongside national development. Religious practices at Cao Dai temples are being conducted in a stable manner. The religion's overall administrative system has gradually become completed. More and more dignitaries and followers receive training, old temples have been restored and new ones built to serve religious practices for millions of followers."

Caodaism is the third largest religion in Vietnam in terms of membership, with an estimated 2 million followers nationwide. (VNA)