February 16, 2019 | 06:13 am PT

Hanoi to patrol key locations round the clock ahead of Trump-Kim summit

Hanoi to patrol key locations round the clock ahead of Trump-Kim summit
Vietnam’s good relations with the U.S., North Korea and South Korea was a factor in its being chosen as the venue for the summit. Photo by VnExpress

Hanoi police will patrol certain strategic areas 24/7 to ensure security for the upcoming Trump-Kim summit.

The Noi Bai Airport, train and bus stations, cultural monuments and electric grids are among the key locations identified for constant surveillance, officials said at a conference Friday.

They also said that Hanoi police would dispatch 96 patrol groups every night, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m, to curb criminal activities ahead of the summit.

Hanoi would also request the Ministry of Public Security to send more personnel to better distribute security forces.

Authorities will work to maintain security for all U.S. and North Korean officials and delegations, reporters from within and outside Vietnam, the conference heard.

No effort will be spared to secure all summit venues and ensure smooth and safe traffic.

As of Saturday, both U.S. and North Korean delegations had landed in Hanoi to discuss the summit's logistics.

The second Trump-Kim summit will be held in Hanoi on February 27 and 28. Vietnam has welcomed the event, expressed hopes that it is successful as well as confidence that it can host the meeting successfully.

Vietnam's Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh officially visited Pyongyang from Tuesday to Thursday.

He said Vietnam was willing to share with North Korea the country’s experiences in socio-economic development and international integration.

North Korean’s Foreign Minister Ri Yong-ho had earlier expressed interest in discussing ways to improve bilateral relations. He thanked Vietnam for its supportive stance and efforts to promote dialogue for a peaceful, secure and developed Korean peninsula.

The first Trump-Kim summit was held in Singapore in June 2018, but negotiations failed to make much headway owing to disagreements on the concept of denuclearization.

Both sides are hoping to make further headway at the upcoming summit in Hanoi.