(VOVworld) - Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh welcomed US Senator Benjamin Cardin to Viet Nam on Tuesday, calling it an opportunity to frankly and openly discuss issues of common concern.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (R) shakes hands with US Senator Benjamin Cardin. (Photo: VGP)

Minh said this is a time to strengthen bilateral ties and urging the US Congress to support the exchange of delegations at all levels, continue opening the US market for Vietnamese goods while reducing trade barriers. He also voiced his hope for a decrease of cases of anti-dumping and anti-subsidy, as well as flexibility in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) talks as pledged by the US. Mr. Cardin, who is also the chair of the East Asian and Pacific Affairs Subcommittee of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, voiced his support for the two countries in implementing the comprehensive partnership and for early conclusion of TPP talks. The two sides exchanged views on regional and international issues, including the current situation in the East Sea.