************************************************************
Following is the speech (translation) by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at a welcoming reception at Government House in honour of the delegation of China's first manned space mission tonight (October 31):
Ladies and gentlemen,
First of all, on behalf of the 6.8 million people of Hong Kong, let us give a warm round of applause to welcome Yang Liwei and his colleagues, the glory of our country and the heroes of the nation.
A couple of weeks ago, we watched with excitement the making of history - China's first manned space mission, Shenzhou 5, carrying China's first astronaut, Yang Liwei. We were glued to our screens during every part of the mission - the launch, orbit and return of the spaceship. The mission indeed marks the start of a new chapter in the history of Chinese civilisation, realising the nation's dream to conquer space and bring us to the forefront of the world's aerospace technology. Today, the focal point has shifted to Hong Kong as Mr Yang is here, the re-entry capsule of Shenzhou 5 is here, and scores of scientists and crew members, who have worked with utmost dedication and expertise for the mission are all here. Let us applaud again to express our deepest appreciation to all these heroes who have worked so hard on the frontline or behind the scenes.
Since the launch of Shenzhou 5, the people of Hong Kong have longed to see and meet Mr Yang, who epitomises the ambition and courage of the Chinese nation; to see for themselves the re-entry capsule of Shenzhou 5, which embodies the wisdom of the Chinese nation; and to meet with our remarkable aerospace scientists to inquire about space exploration.
The Central Government has been extremely accommodating. In Bangkok, I personally conveyed to President Hu Jintao the Hong Kong people's wish and our invitation to Yang and his colleagues to visit Hong Kong as soon as possible. The Central Government responded quickly and positively. Today, the delegation of China's first manned space mission headed by Mr Hu Shixiang is with us here in Hong Kong - testament to the Central Government's regard for the people of Hong Kong. On behalf of the HKSAR Government and all our citizens, I extend the most sincere gratitude to the Central Government.
Your visit is a tremendous encouragement and support to Hong Kong. Please accept our warmest welcome and deepest appreciation. You and your predecessors have devoted years of hard work and selfless devotion to put a Chinese astronaut into space. To witness such a wonderful achievement provides a huge boost to Hong Kong people's sense of national pride, esteem and confidence, especially our younger generation. The mission has revealed to them that the nation has the expertise and ability to take on space, and that China can take its place among the world leaders in space technology.
Hong Kong people feel both excited and deeply moved by your visit. We have been watching closely our motherland's advances, thrilled by every stride. In the coming days, you will experience firsthand just how highly Hong Kong people regard you. We hope the memory of your visit will be a warm and cherished one.
Hong Kong, known as the Pearl of the Orient, glitters as Asia's world city. Mr Yang, I hope you and your colleagues can see the dazzling splendour of China's Pearl of the Orient when looking back to Earth from space in future explorations.
Thank you.
End/Friday, October 31, 2003
( Floor
)
NNNN
