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Following is the full text of the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the opening of Hong Kong Scout Millennium Jamboree this (Thursday) morning:

Ladies and gentlemen, and dear fellow scouts,

It gives me great pleasure to be here at the Hong Kong Millennium Jamboree. I understand that many of you have flown all the way from around the world to take part in this Jamboree. Let me extend a very warm welcome to you and wish you a very pleasant stay here in Hong Kong.

The theme of this year's Jamboree is "Live the Nature's Way". It is time for us to put aside the stress of city life and enjoy the pleasure of camping. You will take this opportunity to enrich your knowledge of nature, and learn how to cherish and protect the environment.

In fact, outdoor training and being with nature have always been an essential element of scout activities. By participating in these activities, scout training will help you develop the common sense and skills essential to daily life, build up confidence and grow up as responsible and independent individuals. I hope that every one of you will be equipped with these fine qualities and become the leaders of our global community.

We are about to cross the threshold of the new millennium. At this important moment, let us bear in mind the scout spirit of serving the community, pledge to upgrade ourselves constantly, and remain fully committed to building a better world in the new era.

Thank you very much.

End/Thursday, December 30, 1999

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