Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh reiterated Vietnam’s commitments to negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership while meeting Minority Leader of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi in Hanoi on March 31.

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

In light of celebrations for the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties this year, Vietnam 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 Vietnam.

Turning to developments in the Asia-Pacific, Southeast Asia and the East Sea, Minh said Vietnam 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 Vietnam-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 Vietnam’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 Vietnam, mostly in climate change response and environment, education and capacity improvement.

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

Svendsen, who is visiting Vietnam 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 Vietnam’s socio-economic progress, including the realisation 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 Vietnam and the European Free Trade Association and to work collaboratively at multilateral forums and international organisations, 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 Vietnam-Italy strategic partnership, initially by designing an action plan to tap their trade and investment potential.

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

Casini said the Italian parliament will work on an action plan to realise the Vietnam-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 Vietnam.

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