| | PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng receives Indonesian People’s Representative Council Speaker Agung Laksono, Hà Nội, August 19 - Photo: VGP | Both the host PM and the Indonesian guest were unanimous that Việt Nam and Indonesia are maintaining a long-standing friendship and cooperation. However, their economic cooperation should be further promoted commensurate to their respective potentials. PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng affirmed that the Government of Việt Nam will do its best to cement and deepen the comprehensive cooperation in the practical interests of the two peoples and for peace in the region and the world. The PM suggested the two countries consolidate economic ties while boosting cooperation in security, sea patrol, aquaculture, and rescue work. House Speaker Laksono showed his agreement with the host PM’s suggestions. Expressing his congratulations to Việt Nam’s take-over of ASEAN Presidency in 2010, he pledged that Indonesia wild support Việt Nam to fulfill all assignments during its term. |  | PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng welcomes US Senator Jim Webb, Hà Nội, August 19 - Photo: VGP | At the reception to US Senator Jim Webb, PM Nguyễn Tấn Dũng said that the guest’s visit would mark an important turning point in the ties between Việt Nam and the US. Regarding the bilateral economic cooperation, the Government chief asked the US side to offer tax preferences to some of Vietnamese exports to the US market; not to impose biased definition on Vietnamese tra and basa catfish; and cancel supervision over Vietnamese garments and textiles. PM Dũng proposed that the US should closely cooperate with Việt Nam to share information about local socio-economic realities to avoid misunderstandings that would be harmful to the developing bilateral ties. As the President of ASEAN next year, Việt Nam commits to spare no effort to foster cooperation between every member of the bloc and the US, said PM Dũng. Senator Jim Webb praised for Việt Nam’s goodwill to boost the bilateral relations with the US as well as the country’s role in promoting the ASEAN-US relations. The Senator confirmed that he will work with the US Department of State and other relating agencies to consider the host leader’s proposals in a constructive spirit of mutual trust and understanding. PM Dũng and Senator Jim Webb also exchanged regional and international issues of common concern./. By Xuân Hoàng-Hải Minh | 