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DAVAO, The Philippines, April 30 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese naval fleet has begun a three-day friendly visit after arriving Sunday at Davao City in the southeastern region of The Philippines.

It is the first time for a Chinese naval fleet to visit Davao, the country's third largest city. The Philippine side held a grand welcome ceremony at the Port of Davao.

Miao Hua, Political Commissar of the People's Liberation Army Navy, who is leading a Chinese delegation to visit The Philippines, addressed the ceremony.

He said that the visit would strengthen the relationship between the Chinese navy and the Philippine navy and contribute to the development of traditional friendship and bilateral ties between the two countries.

Rodrigo Duterte, mayor of Davao city, said that it is her sincere hope that the visit would promote exchanges on maritime issues and maritime cooperation between the two sides. She also believed that the visit would enhance peace and friendship between the two countries.

During the visit, the two sides will hold a series of activities such as open day to naval vessels, deck reception and cultural and sports competitions.

(Xinhua reporters Xu Shouming, Yuan Mengchen contributed to the story.)