Vietnamese, Dutch Leaders Bike to Experience Hanoi’s Beautiful Autumn Weather

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte went on a cycling tour around the streets of Hanoi as part of Rutte’s visit to Vietnam.

The two PMs started at the Government headquarters on Hung Vuong street and cycled through Phan Dinh Phung street, which is lined with ancient trees. They then continued on to Nguyen Tri Phuong street and Dien Bien Phu street, both of which are home to many historical relics. The tour ended at Ton That Dam street, where the Foreign Ministry is located.

During their tour, they also passed through streets near the UNESCO-recognized Thang Long Imperial Citadel.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on their cycling tour in Hanoi. Photo: Pham Hai

The Dutch Prime Minister was impressed by the landscape and architecture of Hanoi, which combines ancient and modern features harmoniously.

Before the visit, the Dutch Prime Minister shared that this was his third visit to Vietnam. He mentioned that he was always impressed by Vietnam’s economic development during his previous trips, and that is why he returned.

Earlier in the day, after an official welcome ceremony for Rutte, the two PMs held talks.

During the talks, PM Chinh emphasized the significance of the visit as the two countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their bilateral diplomatic ties. He stated that the visit will contribute to further deepening the comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and the Netherlands.

He affirmed the determination of both countries to collaborate and develop self-reliance and sustainability, thereby making positive contributions to peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

The Dutch PM described Vietnam as a priority and important partner of the Netherlands in the Indo-Pacific. He expressed his delight at his third official visit to Vietnam and meeting PM Chinh again, almost a year after Chinh’s visit to the Netherlands in December 2022.

Following their talks, the two PMs witnessed the exchange of four cooperation agreements between ministries, departments, and associations of both countries in the fields of sustainable exploration of key minerals, customs, investment, and trade.

They also attended the Green Economy Forum 2023 with the theme “European-Vietnamese Collaboration Fuels Green Initiatives,” organized by the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham).

The Dutch leader also visited the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, delivered a speech at a roundtable conference themed “International Law and Order at Sea,” and visited and talked with teachers and students of the Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, a significant symbol of the ties between the two countries.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte enjoyed a tea tasting session at a renowned teahouse on Dien Bien Phu street. Photo: Pham Hai

During his visit, Rutte, along with his Vietnamese friends, enjoyed a tea tasting session at a renowned teahouse on Dien Bien Phu street on November 2 morning. He met some Vietnamese female entrepreneurs and was inspired by their stories and experiences.

PM Rutte also had the opportunity to visit the authentic Kim Lien pagoda.

Standing on a flat strip of land in Nghi Tam village, Quang An commune, Tay Ho district, Kim Lien pagoda is considered one of the 10 most ancient architectural monuments in Vietnam. Photo: Pham Hai

The visit took place as Vietnam and the Netherlands are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. This was the third visit by the Dutch PM to Vietnam since he took office in 2010, following PM Chinh’s visit to the Netherlands nine months ago.

Rutte reiterated that the Netherlands attaches importance to its relationship with Vietnam and wishes to promote cooperation across various fields.

PM Rutte and his entourage left Hanoi in the evening of November 2, concluding their official visit to Vietnam from November 1-2.