Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte ride bikes together at the government headquarters on Thursday.
The ride is among the activities within the framework of Rutte's official visit to Vietnam from Wednesday to Thursday, per Chinh's invitation.
The two leaders ride public bikes used in Hanoi's urban bike project.
Hanoi's urban bike project is done by the Hanoi People's Committee and a business to provide people with another public transport option, which would help shift traveling behaviors and protect the environment.
The two prime ministers bike on the streets of Hanoi. Video by VnExpress/Loc Chung
The two prime ministers and their delegations rode bikes on Phan Dinh Phung, Nguyen Tri Phuong, Dien Bien Phu and Ton That Dam streets.
On the way, Chinh introduced to Rutte iconic structures of Hanoi. Rutte also expressed his appreciation of the blend between traditional and modern beauty of the capital.
Chinh and Rutte wave to passersby on the streets.
The bikes are decorated with logos to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Vietnam and the Netherlands, with lotus and tulip shapes. The logos were designed by Dutch-Vietnamese artist Arjen Ijff.
Rutte, 56, is a biking enthusiast and often rides bikes to his office.
Rutte said Dutch people love biking as the Netherlands's area is small. While cars are still an option, they cause traffic jams and affect the environment, he added.
The two leaders shake hands after completing the ride. Rutte then continues to bike on Dien Bien Phu Street.
Previously, Chinh helmed the welcoming ceremony for Rutte at the Presidential Palace, before holding a dialogue at the government headquarters.
Rutte's visit happens as Vietnam and the Netherlands commemorate their 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations.
The two prime ministers and their delegations hold a dialogue at the government headquarters.
Among Rutte's delegations are a business group consisting of 23 companies and organizations in the hi-tech and digital fields. Dutch ambassador in Vietnam Kees van Baar said the main focus of the visit is to bolster bilateral relations regarding hi-tech fields and digital transformation.
Vietnam and the Netherlands established diplomatic relations on April 9, 1973. The two countries established a strategic partnership on climate change response and water management in 2010, a strategic partnership on sustainable agriculture and food security in 2014, and a comprehensive partnership in 2019.
The Netherlands is the second largest trade partner for Vietnam in Europe, and is the largest investor of the EU in Vietnam. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached $11.09 billion in 2022, a 32% increase from 2021. The Netherlands has invested in 400 projects worth US$13.5 billion in Vietnam.
