President Thongloun Sisoulith delivers a congratulatory message at the 11th Nanhai Buddhism Roundtable. --Photo Laos News Agency

President hails Buddhist conference as platform for regional cooperation

President Thongloun Sisoulith has expressed confidence that the 11th Nanhai Buddhism Roundtable will strengthen friendship and cooperation among participating countries, while promoting peace, mutual understanding and the shared values of Buddhism.
In his congratulatory message to the conference, taking place in Vientiane from October 25-30, the President praised the contributions of previous gatherings to society and commended Buddhist leaders and organisers for their continued efforts to promote Buddhist teachings.
He said the collective commitment of Buddhist leaders and organising committees had helped bring the teachings of the Buddha closer to the public, contributing to the wider appreciation of Buddhism.
On behalf of the Lao people of all ethnic groups and in his personal capacity, President Thongloun extended warm congratulations to Buddhist leaders, senior monks, scholars and delegates attending the international gathering.
He expressed confidence that the meeting would further strengthen friendly relations, solidarity and cooperation among participating countries and contribute to peace and well-being for humanity in accordance with Buddhist teachings.
He also wished Buddhist leaders and all participants good health and well-being, and expressed his hope for the conference’s success.
Laos is co-hosting the six-day event at the National Convention Centre in Vientiane, bringing together around 450 Buddhist leaders, senior monks, scholars and other delegates from 31 countries and international organisations.
The conference is jointly organised by the Central Buddhist Fellowship Organisation of Laos and the Shenzhen Buddhist Association and Hongfa Temple in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, China, under the theme “Shared Origin, Shared Aspiration: Towards Comprehensive Prosperity and Civilisation”.
The programme includes two specialised forums — the Nanhai Buddhism Youth Roundtable Forum and the Nanhai Buddhism Education Roundtable Forum — aimed at strengthening cooperation and encouraging knowledge-sharing among Buddhist communities.
Participants are also scheduled to visit sites of religious, cultural and historical significance in Vientiane and Luang Prabang province to learn more about Laos’ Buddhist traditions and cultural heritage.
The gathering coincides with the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Laos and China, highlighting the longstanding friendship and cultural ties between the two countries.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update October 29, 2026)