Ha was receiving the Speaker of the Philippines House of Representatives, Feliciano Belmonte, who is on a visit to Viet Nam.

He said the two countries had many geographical and socio-economic similarities. They also had common concerns over the protection of sovereign islands in the East Sea on the basis of peace and co-operation.

The two sides expressed their pleasure over co-operation between HCM City and localities in the Philippines, such as exchanges of high-ranking delegations and enterprises seeking co-operation and investment.

Belmonte said he hoped to gain experience from HCM City’s leaders on the organisation and management of district-level government.

He also sought support for the Filipino community living in the city as a bridge to promote co-operation.