PM meets new US ambassador
Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung asked the US to adopt a more flexible approach to the negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) for the agreement’s early signing while receiving new US Ambassador Theodore Osius in Hanoi on January 7.
The PM suggested both sides work hard to carry out cooperation in nine areas as specified in their bilateral strategic partnership framework, including economics, trade, investment, and the exchange of high-level visits especially in 2015 when Vietnam and the US are to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the normalisation of ties.
Osius conveyed President Barack Obama’s words that he appreciated the outcomes of his talks with PM Nguyen Tan Dung on the sidelines of the East Asia Summit in Myanmar last year as well as reiterated his support of Vietnam’s prosperity and independence.
The ambassador said President Obama thought participation in TPP is crucial for Vietnam to become a strong, independent and prosperous country.
He agreed with Vietnam’s economic development priorities, adding that the US has been more flexible over TPP talks, in the hope that the negotiations will conclude in March so that President Obama can submit it to the US Congress for approval in May.
On the economic front, the guest said the US’s ambition is to become the top investor and trade partner of Vietnam.
As for other issues, Osius acknowledged Vietnam’s progresses in ensuring human and citizen rights as well as expressed support for the country in building a law-governed state.
The US also supported Vietnam’s stance and viewpoint regarding regional security issues, he said, adding that President Obama is making efforts for the full removal of arms sale ban on Vietnam.
Stressing the significance of the Vietnam-US comprehensive partnership, Osius vowed to do his best during his tenure for the benefit of bilateral ties.