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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, has received a truly 'warm welcome' in Sydney during his first official visit to Australia today (Sunday).

Clear blue skies and mild temperatures greeted Mr Tung and his wife as they stepped out of Sydney's Kingsford-Smith Airport with China's Ambassador to Australia Mr Hua Jundao.

"Look at the glorious weather," Mr Tung remarked, as he strolled to his official vehicle with Ambassador Hua and Australian officials.

Included in that line-up of Australian officials was Australia's Consul-General to Hong Kong, Ms Sue Boyd, who has made the trip 'down under' especially to accompany Mr Tung on his visit to Sydney and Melbourne.

Not long after his arrival, Mr Tung was so taken by the sunny skies that he took not one but two strolls in Sydney's lovely parks to grab a breath of fresh air before the start of official meetings.

During one walk he posed for some pictures with Japanese tourists who recognised him, while he later stopped to chat with an Australian who had asked him about Hong Kong.

This afternoon, Mr Tung was greeted by more than 200 people at a reception organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Sydney, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Hong Kong Tourist Association and the Hong Kong Australia Business Association (HKABA).

Following the reception, Mr Tung held talks with Australia's Minister for Immigration and Multi-cultural Affairs, Mr Philip Ruddock.

During the half-hour meeting, Mr Tung was briefed on the latest economic and political developments in Australia and the effect of the Asian financial crisis on the Australian economy.

Mr Ruddock also reaffirmed the Australian Government's commitment to multi-culturalism and Mr Tung said he was glad to hear that reaffirmation.

Mr Tung also raised the issue of travel convenience for HKSAR Passport holders. Mr Ruddock said the Australian government was considering ways to make travel to Australia easier for Hong Kong residents. (Under Australia's immigration policy, visa-free access is not extended to any country except New Zealand).

Tonight Mr Tung delivered the keynote address at the influential Asia Australia Institute (AAI), where he spoke about the Asian Financial crisis, the smooth and successful running of Hong Kong since July 1, 1997, and the importance of the Australia-Hong Kong relationship.

Among the 200 guests were former Australian Prime Ministers Bob Hawke and Gough Whitlan, Mr Ruddock, South Australian Premier John Olsen and President of the New South Wales Parliament Max Willis as well as some of Australia's most influential businessmen.

Tomorrow (Monday), Mr Tung will meet New South Wales Premier Bob Carr, visit Hong Kong House and attend a lunch hosted by the New South Wales Chamber of Commerce, the Committee for the Economic Development of Australia, the HKTDC and the HKABA.

In the afternoon, Mr Tung will board a VIP flight to Melbourne, where he will be the guest of Victorian Governor, Sir James Gobbo, and will attend the welcome reception of the Australia Summit, which will start in Melbourne on Tuesday (June 16) with a keynote address by the Chief Executive.

End/Sunday, June 14, 1998

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Photo Caption: The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, and Mrs Tung are escorted to their vehicles by the Chinese Ambassador to Australia Mr Hua Jundao after arriving in Sydney today (Sunday). With the official delegation was the Secretary for Trade and Industry Mr Chau Tak-hay (at rear).