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Vice-President Xi Jinping today (July 8) ended his visit to Hong Kong by meeting members of government departments that had taken part in search and rescue efforts in Sichuan after the May 12 earthquake.
He met them at the Government Flying Service hangar in Chek Lap Kok where about 120 volunteer staff who had joined the mission were assembled.
They came from the Fire Services Department, the Government Flying Service, the Department of Health, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Water Supplies Department and the Information Services Department. A medical team from the Hospital Authority, which had treated the quake victims, was also present.
The Vice-President was invited to view a Super Puma helicopter, a fixed-wing aircraft and other equipment used in the search and rescue efforts, along with photographs taken during the Sichuan mission.
On behalf of the Central Government and the quake victims, the Vice-President expressed gratitude and admiration to the volunteers.
He said that immediately after the earthquake, the HKSAR Government had raised a request with the Central Government to send a search and rescue team. This was followed by a contingent from the Government Flying Service, a medical team and an infection prevention team. These four teams had performed timely and essential work at the quake area, despite the risks of aftershocks and the threats to their personal safety.
He praised team members for their devotion, heroism, quest for excellence and professionalism, noting that these had earned the respect of the quake victims and the Chinese people.
Speaking to reporters, the Vice-President said that he had fulfilled the aims of his visit to Hong Kong. After the tour, he said, he was confident that the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events would be successfully held.
He also urged Hong Kong people from all sectors and the HKSAR Government to unite and work closely together to build a better future.
The Vice-President left Hong Kong via Shenzhen Bay Port after being seen off at Chek Lap Kok by Chief Executive Mr Donald Tsang, Chief Secretary for Administration Mr Henry Tang, Financial Secretary Mr John C Tsang and Secretary for Justice Mr Wong Yan Lung, SC.
Ends/Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Issued at HKT 12:58
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