Source: Xinhuanet
07-01-2007 09:31
Special Report: HK 10 YearsChinese President Hu Jintao, who is in Hong Kong to attend celebration activities to mark the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China, Saturday continued his busy 2nd day of visit.
At about 9:00 a.m., Hu met with Tung Chee Hwa, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and praised him for having done a lot of pioneering work to successfully carry out the "one country, two systems" principle in Hong Kong. Tung is also former Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) chief executive.
At about 9:50 a.m., Hu reviewed troops of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison in the HKSAR at the Stonecutters Island (Ngong Shuen Chau) Naval Base.
In the afternoon, Hu met with representatives from all walks of life in Hong Kong at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. In the meeting, he urged Hong Kong people to unremittingly uphold the "one country, two systems" principle and the Basic Law, develop economy, improve people's livelihood, promote democracy, and work towards a harmonious society.
Then Hu met with a group of central government officials based in Hong Kong and senior executives of Hong Kong branches of mainland enterprises.
At about 4:00 p.m., Hu met with Edmund Ho Hau Wah, chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR), who is also in Hong Kong to attend Hong Kong's celebration activities.
Hu said the central government fully affirms the achievements Macao has made over the past eight years and hopes the Macao SAR government will sum up its own experience and further improve its job.
Ho Hau Wah extended gratitude to the president for the central government's concern and support.
In the evening, Hu was given a welcoming banquet by the HKSAR government. Toasting at the banquet, Hu said the success of Hong Kong since its return bears full testimony to the immense vitality of the concept of "one country, two systems."
The progress Hong Kong has made includes the maintenance of its status as a free port as well as an international financial, trade and shipping center, continued economic growth and social stability, higher living standards, greater public confidence and rising international standing, Hu said.
He called on Hong Kong people to work together to ensure Hong Kong's continuous stability and development.
In his toasting, Hu showed particular concern for the young people in Hong Kong, "because they represent the future of Hong Kong and, indeed, the future of China."
"We should foster a strong sense of national identity among the young people in Hong Kong and promote exchanges between them and the young people of the mainland so that they will carry forward the Hong Kong people's great tradition of 'loving the motherland and loving Hong Kong'," said Hu.
Also speaking at the banquet, Chief Executive of the HKSAR Donald Tsang, on behalf of the people of Hong Kong and the SAR government, extended the warmest welcome and deepest gratitude to President Hu and his entourage.
In the evening, Hu also watched a gala show to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.
President Hu arrived in Hong Kong on Friday to attend the celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China and the swearing-in ceremony of the third-term HKSAR government.
Editor:Chen Ge
