US urged to recognise Vietnam’s market economy (VOV) - Vietnam expects the US will further support Vietnam in negotiations of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement and soon recognise the country’s market economy status. Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung made the proposal while receiving US President Barack Obama on the sidelines of the third Nuclear Security Summit in the Netherlands on March 24. Dung said Vietnam will work closely with the US and other TPP parties to conclude TPP negotiations, taking into account the interests and development levels of all parties concerned.   PM Nguyen Tan Dung (L) met with US President B. Obama in the Hague (Photo:VNA) He noted with satisfaction the new positive developments in bilateral relations, and said a greater effort is needed to foster the recently established comprehensive partnership in all areas, to make it more practical and efficient. For his part, Obama welcomed Vietnam’s important contributions at previous nuclear security summits. He underscored TPP progress and pledged flexible and different treatment for Vietnam. He was also committed to opening the US market for Vietnamese garments, footwear and farm produce. Obama said he hopes with high political determination TPP parties will soon conclude negotiations in line with the Honolulu 2011 statement.  At another meeting in the Hague, Chinese President Xi Jinping said during Chinese Premier Li Keqiang’s recent visit to Vietnam, both sides had outlined cooperation plans, and he hoped the Vietnam-China steering committee for bilateral cooperation will convene a meeting soon to boost relations. PM Dung said he had instructed the Vietnam-China sub-committee to make thorough preparations for the upcoming meeting. President Xi invited PM Dung to visit China, and the invitation was accepted with pleasure. The Vietnamese govenrment leader also met with Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, Republic of Korean President Park Geun Hye, and Deputy Prime Minister of Czech Republic Pavel Belobradek. Japanese PM Abe spoke highly of the recent State-level visit to Japan by Vietnamese President Truong Tan Sang, and stressed both countries need to work closely together to realise the outcome of the visit. Meanwhile, RoK President Park hoped the RoK and Vietnam will soon conclude their free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations to help strengthen bilateral investment and trade ties.   Dung thanked the RoK for re-recruiting Vietnamese nationals to work in the country. While meeting with the Czech leader, Dung appreciated the Czech Republic’s official development assistance (ODA) to Vietnam, amounting to US$18 million. Belobradek said his country wants to increase ties with Vietnam, especially in agriculture, minerals exploration, and nanotechnology.  VOV