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Following is the speech (English translation) by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at the welcome banquet in honour of the Vice-President Xi Jinping, today (July 7):
Honourable Vice-President Xi, distinguished guests,
Only a few days ago, we celebrated the 11th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and in just over a month, the long-awaited Beijing Olympic Games will open. At this important moment, we are most delighted to have Vice-President Xi and the Central Government's delegation in Hong Kong to offer the support and encouragement of the country. On behalf of the people of Hong Kong and the SAR Government, I extend our warmest welcome and deepest gratitude to them.
Undoubtedly, we have seen the "One Country, Two Systems" concept successfully implemented in Hong Kong over these 11 years. Ties between Hong Kong and the Mainland are getting closer. This year, a joyful event and a devastating incident have pulled our hearts closer to the motherland.
The people of Hong Kong share the sadness of the victims of the tragic earthquake in Wenchuan, showing great care and love for the families. Beyond making generous donations, many of our citizens have participated in the relief and reconstruction work in the affected areas. The SAR Government will soon finalise concrete plans to play our part in the reconstruction of Sichuan to help victims resume normal lives.
Nature shows no mercy but the love of people abounds. While the earthquake claimed so many lives and destroyed numerous homes, it has drawn our hearts closer to those in Sichuan, demonstrating the virtue of "When one place suffers misfortune, aid comes from all sides" and the unity of Chinese people.
The upcoming Beijing Olympic Games is also a golden opportunity to showcase the strengths of our country and the solidarity of Chinese people. Local citizens welcomed and cheered the Olympic Torch Relay on May 2 in Hong Kong. Given this successful experience, we will keep up our work and make the best preparations for the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events. Now we are honoured to have Vice-President Xi here to give his encouragement and guidance on our preparatory work. We will definitely do our best to make the events a great success, to demonstrate that we are worthy of the trust bestowed upon us by our country.
Thank you.
Ends/Monday, July 7, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:01
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