Chinese President Hu Jintao told Hong Kong's newly re-appointed
Chief Executive Donald Tsang on Monday that the central
government will provide "all-out support" for his government.
President Hu met with Tsang in Beijing after he was sworn in as
the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
(HKSAR) by Premier Wen Jiabao in the morning.
Hu said the central government will continue to unswervingly
uphold the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong
people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy, act
strictly in accordance with the Basic Law of the HKSAR and give
all-out support for the HKSAR Chief Executive and the HKSAR
government in governance according to law.
He said that Tsang's overwhelming victory in an election by Hong
Kong's electoral college reflected the region's support for Tsang's
work since he first became Chief Executive and his election
platform.
Tsang served out the last two years of predecessor Tung
Chee-hwa's term after he resigned due to ill health in June
2005.
"The upcoming five years is a very important period of time for
the development of Hong Kong," Hu said. "Hong Kong has heavy tasks
and a lot of work to do."
He said developing the economy, improving people's lives,
gradually pushing forward democracy, and maintaining Hong Kong's
prosperity and stability and social harmony are common wishes of
Hong Kong people and also where the fundamental interests of Hong
Kong people of various circles lie.
Hu expressed his confidence that the newly appointed Chief
Executive will lead the HKSAR government and all circles in the
region to work together for a better future of Hong Kong.
Tsang's appointment was confirmed by the central government in a
ceremony at Zhongnanhai where he received his official credentials
as Chief Executive.
Premier Wen Jiabao said at the ceremony that the central
government will as always take any positive and effective policies
and measures to help boost exchanges and cooperation between the
mainland and Hong Kong in various fields to realize common
development.
Tsang said he appreciates the trust and support given to him by
the central government and Hong Kong. He vowed to do his best to
serve the government and the citizens of Hong Kong.
Vice President Zeng Qinghong, director of the General Office
of the CPC Central Committee Wang Gang, State Councilor Tang
Jiaxuan, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the
State Council Liao Hui and other senior officials attended the
meeting.
Tsang will begin serving his new term on July 1, 2007, which
will be the third full term since HK returned to China from British
Colony in 1997. Tsang's term will end on June 30, 2012.
(Xinhua News Agency April 10, 2007)