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Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at the launching ceremony for the Olympic Torch Relay at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre today (May 2):
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Today, the Olympic Torch Relay resumes on Chinese soil after its global journey across five continents. It is a great and solemn honour for Hong Kong, Asia's world city, to be the first city in China to welcome back the Olympic Flame on behalf of our proud nation.
As a cosmopolitan city of China, Hong Kong is uniquely placed to play this bridging role between the peoples of the world, and the people of our country.
The Olympic ideals of friendship, fair play and solidarity are, indeed, universal ideals that are an intrinsic part of our society. We don't just embrace them; they are part of what makes us tick.
In Hong Kong, we are a world in a city, where different people, with different beliefs, and different views have thrived in the spirit of diversity, tolerance and respect. This same spirit feeds the Olympic Flame, and makes it burn brightly.
As the Olympic Torch is relayed through Hong Kong - and as it travels across the vast expanse of our country in the months ahead - I truly hope that it will continue to blaze a trail of unity and peace, for all people, of all nations. The goal of "One World. One Dream" is there for us to achieve.
Now, it is my honour to mark the start of the Olympic Torch Relay in Hong Kong!
Ends/Friday, May 2, 2008
Issued at HKT 10:49
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