Hanoi – a safe, friendly and attractive destination

The Summit takes place on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Hanoi's UNESCO recognition as a City for Peace. Careful preparations showed that Vietnam, particularly Hanoi, is a reliable and responsible partner with significant contributions to peace and reconciliation in the world, as well as a safe, friendly and attractive destination.

Cleaner and more beautiful City

During these days, the whole City was brightly decorated to welcome delegates to the second DPRK – USA. Deputy Director of Hanoi municipal Department of Culture and Sports Bui Thi Thu Hien said that the cultural sector has coordinated with other agencies to hang 4,000 banners, 150 clusters of panels, 100 billboards and 2,500 flag props at major squares, intersections and streets that the delegates are expected to pass by, stay and work. The Hanoi Green Tree Park Company planted 4,000 flower baskets and nearly 500,000 flowers and ornamental trees in many streets, including Vo Nguyen Giap, Vo Chi Cong, Nguyen Chi Thanh, Tran Duy Hung, Trang Thi, Kim Ma and Thang Long Avenue. The company is continuing to decorate with more flower baskets along the two sides of some streets to create highlights.

The agencies also paid much attention to decorative lighting, making the city more sparkling in the evening. The Hanoi Lighting and Urban Equipment Limited Companymaintains 100% of light bulbs at flower parks and areas around Hoan Kiem Lake, major streets, big hotels and the surroundings of places for the activities related to the Summit. The environmental sanitation work has also been focused. Workers from the Hanoi Urban Environment Company have coordinated with the districts’ People’s Committee to implement environmental sanitation, clean up garbage and waste, even those in alleys, residential areas, flower parks and lawns. All specialised vehicles were mobilised to sweep and clean roads.

Hanoi Police has developed specific plans to ensure security and best safety for the event. The forces have synchronously implemented professional measures to prevent and fight all kinds of crimes as well as patrolled and controlled important areas for 24 hours per day, including Noi Bai International Airport, railway stations, bus stations, cultural facilities and complicated public places. According to a representative from the Traffic Police Department, the force has mobilised over 1,000 officials and soldiers to join the escort and traffic allocation for the international delegations. The working groups are on duty at over 300 key intersections to reduce traffic congestion in the inner city. Senior Lieutenant Colonel Trinh Quoc Tuan, Deputy Chief of Ba Dinh District’s Police, said that the force has advised the Party committees and governments at all levels to mobilise the joint power of the entire political system as well as rehearse hypothetical situations to ensure absolute security and safety for the event.

The City provided free and well-equipped premises for the international media centre of the Summit, ensuring security for the world's major news agencies as well as arranging information counters serving international reporters. Reporters are free to use public transport such as buses, BRT buses and double-decker buses for their work. Various unique arts programmes will be held in the evenings from February 26-28 at the Ly Thai To flower park, featuring the participation of many famous artists. Well-known culinary artisans were invited to cook special Hanoi dishes for reporters.

Opportunity to promote the image of Vietnam and Hanoi

Hanoians are very eager for the second DPRK – USA Summit. Dang Van Quan from Le Mat Street, Long Bien District said that the upcoming Summit is very important for the peace of the region and the world and Hanoi has surpassed many ‘candidates’ in the region to be selected as the host of the Summit, which showed the trust of the international community for Vietnam in general and Hanoi in particular. “I think this will be a good opportunity for the capital’s government and people to show their hospitality and prove that Hanoi is a safe and friendly city with rich cultural identities”.

Nguyen Minh Huong, a student from the Hanoi University of Business and Technology, shared: “The organisation of the second DPRK – USA Summit in Hanoi on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Hanoi's UNESCO recognition as a City for Peacemakes the capital’s citizens, including students, feel honoured and proud. I believe that the Summit will be successful and the two sides will reach specific agreements, helping people in the world live in peace. In addition, our country will continue to integrate more deeply into the international community”.

Chairman of Hanoi municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung said that so far, the service for the Summit is almost complete. The work of ensuring absolute security and safety for the event is of top concern and has been implemented in detail. He noted: “The City’s agencies are trying to fulfill all assigned tasks to best serve the second DPRK – USA Summit. This is an honour and also an opportunity for Vietnam, particularly Hanoi, to promote the image of a civilised country and a Capital for Peace to the world”.

Chairman Chung also expressed his hope that each citizen will be a messenger to promote Hanoi’s image because the joint efforts from all people will bring the most success for the Summit. The promotion of the beauty, civilisation and elegance of Hanoians will be the friendly behaviour, the participation in keeping urban order from residents. As a result, the image of a beautiful, safe and hospitable city could go deep into the hearts of delegates to the Summit as well as all international friends.