Cycling for improvement of urban environment and transport

The event is the first of its kind held by the Service Department for Diplomatic Corps (SDDC) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Hanoi's Liberation Day (October 10) and 15 years of Hanoi's UNESCO recognition of ‘The City for Peace’ title.

The event attracted the participation of more than 600 diplomats from 27 embassies, international organisations, and representatives of local and foreign press agencies in Hanoi, along with hundreds of local and international friends.

It targets to raise public awareness and improve capabilities of Vietnamese dwellers in environmental protection and participation in urban traffic, as well as to encourage international friends to be involved in building the culture of improved urban transportation and environmental hygiene for a clean, green, and beautiful Hanoi.

As part of a range of events celebrating 69th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnamese diplomatic sector (August 28), the programme also aims to promote diplomatic activities, enhance relationships and understanding, and tighten the friendship between Vietnamese people and international friends.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ambassador and SDDC Director General, Le Sy Vuong Ha, said that the presence of many ambassadors and foreign officials along with hundreds of local residents in the programme would convey a strong message on raising awareness on environmental protection and implementation of modern urban transportation. The event was also acted as a bridge connecting the citizens of the capital with foreign friends living and working in Hanoi, Ha stressed.

Starting at the SDDC headquarter at No. 10 Le Phung Hieu street, cyclists rode 8.2km through Hanoi main streets and historic sites including Trang Tien, Dinh Tien Hoang, King Ly Thai To Monument, Hoang Dieu street, and the Monument to Heroes and Martyrs. They finished their trip at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, No. 1 Ton That Dam street.

Participants also attended the opening ceremony of the Cultural Festival for Peace at King Ly Thai To Monument and offered flowers at Monument to Heroes and Martyrs on Hoang Dieu street. At the closing ceremony, the organisers presented gifts to national contributors of Hoan Kiem and Ba Dinh districts for their contribution to the resistance war against French colonists and liberation of the capital city.

Head of the organising board, Ambassador and SDDC Director, General Le Sy Vuong Ha, addresses the opening ceremony.

The programme attracted the participation of hundreds of diplomats along with capital residents and international friends.

Cyclists attending the opening ceremony of the Cultural Festival for Peace at King Ly Thai To Monument, Dinh Tien Hoang street.

Under the framework of the Cultural Festival for Peace, Hanoi leaders and representatives of the diplomatic corps and international organisations drop balloons and set free pigeons carrying messages of peace from Hanoians to people across the country and the world.

Over 1,500 people join a walk for peace.

Chairman of Hanoi municipal People’s Committee Nguyen The Thao (first line, waving) and representatives of international organisations and diplomatic corps join the walk in a bid for peace.

Bikers proceeding through the main streets of the capital.

Offering flowers at the Monument to Heroes and Martyrs.