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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, had a useful and frank exchange of views on a wide range of issues with a number of Legislative Council Members today (Friday).

The Chief Executive expressed concern about the latest development of relationship between the Executive and the Legislature.

He shared Members' views that to facilitate policy formulation and implementation, the Executive and the Legislature should seek to establish a relationship which was based on mutual trust, mutual respect and mutual co-operation.

The Chief Executive said that it was imperative for the Executive to strengthen its relationship with the Legislature, having regard to the fact that the Executive did not have any representatives in the Legislature. He believed that both the Executive and the Legislature could do better in strengthening the relationship.

"The Executive will explore ways to improve its communication with the Legislature. We hope that the Legislature will also do the same".

On LegCo Rules and Procedures, the Chief Executive said that the primary consideration of the Executive was that they must be consistent with the Basic Law.

He said, "On this basis, legal experts may have different interpretation of certain provisions. It is not at all surprising. We welcome healthy discussion of different views . We will continue exchanging views with the Legislature on various legal points."

Other issues raised at the meeting included Hong Kong's economy and monetary affairs and transfer of technology in implementing infrastructure projects.

The Chief Executive said that he looked forward to meeting the Members again in the near future to exchange views with them on matters of their concern.

End/Friday, July 31, 1998

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