Deputy PM receives parliament leaders to IPU-132

Photo: VGP/Hai Minh

Viet Nam asked for the US’s flexible approach and support to Viet Nam during the process, he said, adding that the US is a leading partner of Viet Nam in its foreign policy.

In light of celebrations for the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year, Viet Nam and the US should facilitate high-level visits and promote well-rounded coordination, especially across economics, trade and investment, he said.

The host also sought the US’s support to ease the after-effects of war in Viet Nam.

Turning to developments in the Asia-Pacific, Southeast Asia and the East Sea, Minh said Viet Nam highly values the US’s position on the settlement of disputes through peaceful means in line with international law.

He hoped the US Congress would actively contribute to peace, security, stability and prosperity in the region.

Pelosi scored parliamentarians’ support for the Viet Nam-US comprehensive partnership and hoped for more coordinated efforts in economics, education-training, and dealing with post-war consequences.

US parliamentarians also expressed their interest in the East Sea and the TPP, learning about Viet Nam’s perspective on and commitments to the deal.

Meeting Vice President of the Norwegian parliament Kenneth Svendsen the same day, Deputy PM Minh thanked Norway for its official development assistance to Viet Nam, mostly in climate change response and environment, education and capacity improvement.

He asked the parliament to support Norwegian investors interested in Viet Nam, especially those in shipbuilding, maritime affairs, energy, and seafood.

Svendsen, who is visiting Viet Nam for the 132nd Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly, said the Norwegian parliament will do its best to reinforce its friendship and cooperation with the Vietnamese legislature.

 He said he is impressed by Viet Nam’s socio-economic progress, including the realization of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals ahead of schedule.

Both sides committed to accelerating negotiations towards the signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Viet Nam and the European Free Trade Association and to work collaboratively at multilateral forums and international organizations, especially the United Nations.

In a separate reception for Chairperson of the Italian Senate’s Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Pier Ferdinando Casini, Minh asked for stronger efforts to further develop the Viet Nam-Italy strategic partnership, initially by designing an action plan to tap their trade and investment potential.

Mr. Minh asked the Italian parliament to back the expansion of ties between Viet Nam and the European Union and step up the approval of the Viet Nam-EU Partnership and Cooperation Agreement towards signing the Viet Nam-EU FTA.

Casini said the Italian parliament will work on an action plan to realize the Viet Nam-Italy strategic partnership for 2015-2016.

He told his host that the Italian business community is satisfied with the Vietnamese business climate and looks forward to expanding their operations in Viet Nam.

The parliament supports measures to lift trade and multifaceted ties between the two nations, he affirmed./VNA./.