On the morning of May 30, at the City Opera House Square, the Hai Phong People’s Committee, in coordination with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Vietnam, organized the Hai Phong – Netherlands Friendship Cycling Event. The event was one of the highlight external relations activities held on the occasion of the friendly visit of the Royal Netherlands Navy frigate HNLMS De Ruyter to Hai Phong from May 29 to June 1, 2026.
The event was attended by Mr. Tran Van Quan, Member of the Hai Phong Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong People’s Committee; Rear Admiral Jeanette Morang, Special Envoy of the Chief of Defence of the Netherlands and Commanding Officer of the Royal Netherlands Navy vessel HNLMS De Ruyter; H.E. Mr. Kees van Baar, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Vietnam; representatives of municipal departments and agencies; and a large number of local residents, youth union members, students, and international guests.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Tran Van Quan highlighted the many similarities between Hai Phong and the Netherlands, noting that both are maritime regions with dynamic port systems and long-standing traditions of international trade. Over the years, cooperation between Hai Phong and Dutch partners has continued to expand across a wide range of sectors, including economic development, trade, logistics, maritime affairs, environmental protection, and green growth.
According to Vice Chairman Tran Van Quan, alongside achievements in economic cooperation, cultural exchanges and people-to-people activities have always served as important bridges that enhance mutual understanding, trust, and connections between the peoples of the two countries. The friendship cycling event, therefore, was not merely a sporting activity but also a meaningful symbol of connection, sharing, and the promotion of positive values related to green lifestyles, environmental sustainability, and sustainable development.
Immediately following the opening ceremony, the delegates and a large number of local residents joined a cycling route through the city’s central streets. The cycling procession took place in a lively and cheerful atmosphere, creating a vibrant image of Hai Phong as a dynamic, friendly, and internationally integrated city.
Through the event, Hai Phong continued to introduce to international friends the image of a modern and civilized port city, rich in cultural identity and advancing strongly toward a green, smart, and sustainable future. The activity also reflected the city’s commitment to people-to-people exchanges, contributing to stronger friendship and mutual understanding between the peoples of Vietnam and the Netherlands.
Speaking at the event, H.E. Mr. Kees van Baar, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Vietnam, expressed his delight at the enthusiastic participation of Hai Phong residents. The Ambassador noted that cycling has long been an integral part of Dutch culture and daily life. He emphasized that the friendship cycling event not only promotes healthy and environmentally friendly lifestyles but also serves as a vivid symbol of connection, friendship, and enduring cooperation between the peoples of the two countries.
The Hai Phong – Netherlands Friendship Cycling Event took place in an open, friendly, and energetic atmosphere, leaving lasting impressions on both the Dutch guests and local participants. Sharing the experience of cycling together through the city’s central streets and enjoying the unique charm and rhythm of life in the Port City helped bring the peoples of the two countries closer together, further strengthening the foundation of friendship, cooperation, and sustainable development between Hai Phong and its Dutch partners in the years ahead.