The government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
(HKSAR) hosted a welcoming dinner in honor of Chinese President Hu
Jintao here Saturday evening.
Toasting at the dinner, Hu said that the success of Hong Kong
since its return bears full testimony to the immense vitality of
the concept of "one country, two systems."
He said that "one country, two systems" is a good policy for
Hong Kong , for the whole country, for international investors and
for prosperity in the region.
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 stability and development.
"To ensure stability and development in Hong Kong , a society of
diversity, it is important that its people set aside differences,
be inclusive and work together to promote their common
interests.
"The people of Hong Kong from all social groups, professions and
organizations, and with various political beliefs and faiths should
follow the call of 'loving the motherland and loving Hong Kong ',
close ranks, uphold China's national interests and Hong Kong 's
overall interests, and strive to sustain Hong Kong 's prosperity
and stability," said Hu.
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 dinner, 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.
Tsang said, "Looking back over this past decade, we can rightly
take pride in our achievements and the many unforgettable
challenges we have overcome. The one that stands out the most is
our success in working together to turn the great concept of 'one
country, two systems' into a living reality."
He said the world can see that under the "one country, two
systems" principle, Hong Kong is more vibrant than ever. The rapid
development of the mainland has undoubtedly presented Hong Kong
with more opportunities.
"Given the valuable experience we have gained over the past
decade," he said, the government and people of Hong Kong "are even
more confident that Hong Kong will shine brighter under the
innovative concept of 'one country, two systems' and be able to
contribute even more to our country's development in the years
ahead".
President Hu came to 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.
(Xinhua News Agency July 1, 2007)
