The Da Nang Union of Friendship Organisations (DAFO) hosted a reception on Thursday afternoon for Philippine Ambassador to Viet Nam Meynardo LB. Montealegre.

DAFO Chairman Nguyen Ngoc Binh (4th, right) presents a souvenir to Philippine Ambassador to Viet Nam Meynardo LB. Montealegre. Photo: T.PHUONG

Chairman of the municipal Union of Friendship Organisations Nguyen Ngoc Binh informed his guest about the city's socio-economic achievements in 2022 and its development orientation in 2023.

He also revealed that DAFO had 12 affiliated member organisations, including 11 bilateral friendship associations between Viet Nam and countries around the world, and a multilateral organisation being the city’s Peace Committee.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Binh commented that Da Nang and the Philippines shared many similarities and had many advantages and potential for promoting their bilateral cooperation in the future.

Currently, Da Nang is focusing on developing information technology, high-tech industry, innovative start-ups, seaports, and especially tourism.

Mr. Binh suggested that Ambassador Meynardo LB. Montealegre introduce Filipino localities having similarities with Da Nang to boost investment cooperation activities.

Importance should be attached to organising tourism, trade, investment promotion seminars, and friendly exchange activities between Da Nang and the Philippines, thereby facilitating people of the two countries to understand each other, and fostering the bilateral relationship between Da Nang and the Philippines, he added.

Philippine Ambassador to Viet Nam Meynardo LB. Montealegre (first, left) presents a souvenir to DAFO Chairman Nguyen Ngoc Binh. Photo: T.PHUONG

In reply, Philippine Ambassador Meynardo LB. Montealegre thanked DAFO for the warm and respectful welcome. He expressed his impression on the city’s potential and advantages, especially tourism environment.

The Philippine visitor agreed with Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Binh's proposal, affirming that he would introduce localities having the similarities with Da Nang to foster cooperation in investment, trade, tourism, and cultural and arts exchange.

Reporting by THANH PHUONG - Translating by M.DUNG