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The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, today (Thursday) met with a group of young people from the Mainland who were visiting Hong Kong on a cultural exchange programme.

A group of local youngsters who have participated in the exchange programme also attended the meeting held at the Government House.

Welcoming the young visitors, Mr Tung said, "I am very pleased to see young people in Hong Kong and their counterparts in the Mainland participate enthusiastically in the cultural exchange programme.

"I believe that this kind of activities will help promote better understanding between young people of the two places.

"I hope that teachers and parents will encourage our young people to take an active part in such meaningful activities."

The 46 Mainland members came from 21 ethnic minority groups, including the Mengguzu, Zangzu, Manzu, Chaoxian and Yizu.

The exchange programme was jointly organised by the China Overseas Friendship Association and the Yan Oi Tong.

The participants took part in a variety of activities, including seminars and visits to the Tsing Ma Bridge, the Peak and the Ocean Park. The programme runs from August 3 to 10.

The ethnic minority groups from the Mainland will stage three shows in Hong Kong to share their singing and dancing talents with the local community. The shows will be held in Tuen Mun Town Hall, City Hall and Sha Tin Town Hall. Admission is free.

During the meeting, the Chief Executive learnt of the interesting experience of the local and Mainland youngsters gained through various activities. The ethnic minority groups also greeted Mr Tung in their own dialects.

End/Thursday, August 6, 1998