European Day is an occasion that marks the formation of the European Union (EU), which is the most successful model of international integration. The EU Delegation and Embassies of EU member states hold various meaningful activities to celebrate this day annually.
The event "Vietnam - EU: Joining hands for a clean environment" was held by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the EU Delegation, the Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee, and Sun Group on May 12, 2024.
The event offers an opportunity to strengthen friendship, mutual understanding, and promote bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and the EU, as well as with EU member states, especially in trade-investment, and sustainable development. In addition, this is an occasion to raise public awareness of environmental protection in Vietnam in general and the marine environment in Ha Long in particular.
Ms. Le Thi Thu Hang, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
This event was attended by leaders of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassadors and Spouses, along with officials of the EU Delegation, Embassies of EU member countries in Vietnam, and officials of Quang Ninh province. Ms. Le Thi Thu Hang, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasized that today's action is small but meaningful and will contribute to disseminating the message of “joining hands to protect the green, clean, and beautiful marine environment for the next generations."
Julien Guerrier, EU Ambassador to Vietnam
Julien Guerrier, Ambassador and head of the EU Delegation to Vietnam, said: "We want to join hands to protect the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay through this event. Today, we are here to set a good example for people, and no matter how big or small, all our actions are towards common efforts to solve environmental problems. Let’s work together to return Vietnam's blue and green hues to its former glory, and strive to achieve this in the future.”
Mr. Cao Tuong Huy, Chairman of the People's Committee of Quang Ninh Province
At the opening ceremony, Mr. Cao Tuong Huy, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, and Chairman of the People's Committee of Quang Ninh Province, noted: "This activity is so important for Quang Ninh province in particular and Vietnam in general. This would help protect the environment, respond to climate change, and enhance friendship and mutual understanding to promote bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and the EU on investment cooperation activities, promoting sustainable economic development.”
After the opening ceremony, all delegates and volunteers engaged in collecting trash and transporting waste to the gathering place along Bai Chay Beach. Simultaneously, with the highest excitement and enthusiasm, local Sun Group employees also give a hand with cleaning up their surroundings.
Mr. Manh Linh, a Sun Group employee, excitedly expressed: "I think it’s time for every employee who has the opportunity to work here like me to show responsibility to the environment. It's a pleasure to contribute a part of my ability to the efforts of the entire city as well as the valued guests from Europe to preserve Ha Long’s emerald-green waters."
After that, the group proceeded to Ha Long International Cruise Port to join in the trash collection activity in the waters.
At the end of the event, natural waste and household waste are collected, such as trees, seagrass, plastic utensils, etc. The beach area and coastal roads in Ha Long Bay were all cleaned up and gathered by delegates and volunteers, then transported to the staging area and processed according to procedures.
Vietnamese and EU delegates pick up trash on Ha Long Bay
Waste cleanup campaigns like Europe Day will be an opportunity to raise public awareness and create good habits for people and tourists to take action for landscape protection, thereby helping Ha Long Bay have a fresh, green, clean, and beautiful environment. Therefore, Ha Long Bay has become a tourist destination that has gained a lot of love and interest from foreign tourists.
Reported by Bao Anh
Translated by Le Thi Minh Anh
