The delegation, led by Chairman Michael Lewis Cromartie, is on a tour to inquire into the religious situation in Vietnam.

The meeting took place in an open and friendly atmosphere.

Ms Thao welcomed the delegation and informed them about socio-economic development and freedom of religious beliefs in the city. About one third of HCM City’s population are currently religious followers, with 2.4 million believers and 8,147 dignitaries. The city possesses 1,544 places of worship for its people.

More than 6,000 foreign businesspeople who are doing business in the city are helped to practise their religion at local churches and pagodas.

Michael Lewis Cromartie and his delegation made it-depth in-deep inquiries into the operation of religions by raising questions about the religious policies and registration procedures for a number of religious organisations in the city. Their queries were fully answered.

Earlier the same day, Nguyen Van Dua, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the HCM City Party Committee received the US delegation. He advised his guests to meet with ordinary people who are religious believers at places of worship in the city.

Mr Dua affirmed that the upgrade, repair and building of places of worship by religions have been facilitated by local authorities in line with the law.