Polish premier takes nighttime stroll through Hanoi

An aircraft carrying the Polish leader and a high-level Polish delegation landed at Noi Bai International Airport in the early evening.

Dressed in a smart suit, the Polish prime minister stepped off the plane and shook hands with Vietnamese Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan and other officials who had gathered to welcome him.

Just a few hours later, Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper reporters unexpectedly spotted him walking along Ly Thuong Kiet Street with several members of his entourage.

Gone were his suit jacket, tie and formal shoes.

Instead, the Polish leader had rolled up his shirt sleeves and donned a pair of sneakers as he explored the streets of Hanoi.

Dressed casually and wearing sneakers, the entire group blended in with the many foreign tourists strolling around the city.

He had reportedly enjoyed dinner at a restaurant specializing in Vietnamese cuisine before deciding to walk back to his hotel with his entourage.

The weather in Hanoi was cool and pleasant that evening, drawing many residents outdoors for an evening stroll.

He arrived in Vietnam on Friday evening, with Da Nang City, central Vietnam, as his first stop.

On Saturday morning, he and the Polish delegation visited Hoi An Ancient Town, where the prime minister warmly shook hands with local residents, posed for photographs and chatted with Polish tourists exploring the historic town.

He also laid a wreath at a monument dedicated to Polish architect Kazimierz Kwiatkowski, who made significant contributions to the preservation of Hoi An Ancient Town and the My Son Sanctuary.

His work helped pave the way for Hoi An and My Son to be recognized as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites.

On Saturday evening, Tusk returned to Hoi An for a second visit.

Wearing sneakers, he strolled along Bach Dang and Tran Phu Streets, greeted tourists who waved to him and stopped to listen to traditional folk performances along the Hoai River.

He later explored Nguyen Hoang Night Market before dining at a restaurant overlooking the ancient town.

“He wanted to experience Hoi An illuminated at night, peaceful and serene yet vibrant with street performances and distinctive cultural exchange activities,” said Truong Thi Ngoc Cam, deputy director of the Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center.

“He desired to feel the rhythm of everyday life in Hoi An, and the genuine warmth and hospitality of its people.

“He expressed great joy and a special affection for Hoi An.”

He is scheduled to attend an official welcoming ceremony and hold meetings with Vietnam’s senior leaders on Monday.

The Polish leader is paying an official visit to Vietnam from October 24 to 26 at the invitation of Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung.

His return to Vietnam comes 16 years after his previous visit in 2010.