Czech Republic called for early PCA ratification with EU   Vietnam hopes that the Czech Republic soon ratifies the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) between Vietnam and the EU signed in June 2012 and recognizes the country’s full market economy. National Assembly (NA) Vice Chairman Huynh Ngoc Son made the statement during a meeting with President of the Senate of the Czech Republic Milan Stech in Praha during a visit from September 17-20. Son spoke highly of the Czech Republic’s achievements in recent times and rising international profile. He appreciated the country’s recognition of Overseas Vietnamese (OVs) as the 14th ethnic minority group, considering it a symbol of traditional friendship between the two countries. Son urged the Senate and Chamber of Deputies to send working groups and parliamentarians to Vietnam to promote consultation and coordination mechanisms at multilateral forums like the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the Asia-Europe Parliamentary Partnership (ASEP) He also proposed that the two sides closely monitor the implementation of signed agreements for mutual benefit. Son stated the Vietnam NA is eager to create a niche for Czech businesses to invest in the country and expressed his conviction that Vietnam will serve as a bridge for the Czech Republic to approach other ASEAN countries. Son extended an invitation to leaders of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies to visit Vietnam and attend the 132nd IPU General Assembly slated for March 2015. For their part, both Milan Stech and Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies Vojtech Filip welcomed the Vietnamese delegation and accepted the invitation to attend the IPU 132 Vojtech said his nation supports signing the FTA between Vietnam and EU and the recognition of Vietnam’s full market economy status, believing that President Truong Tan Sang’s future visit will help seek stronger economic and trade cooperation measures. Regarding to the East Sea issue, Vice Chairman Son pointed out the apparent absurdity of the "U-shaped line" in the East Sea map drawn by China, and asked the Czech Republic to pay heed to stabilizing regional situation and ensuring maritime safety in the East Sea. “Vietnam wants the Czech Republic to back its stance of resolving maritime disputes by peaceful means in conformity with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) towards the building of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC)” Son noted. The Vietnamese delegation and Deputy Minister of Defence Tomas Kuchta discussed measures to boost cooperation in defence technology and exchange UN peace-keeping operation experience. It also held working sessions with the Vietnamese Embassy and leaders of the Vietnamese Association in the Czech Republic and branches in Brno and Pardubice. VOV