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Following is the transcript of remarks (English portion) by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, at a media session after visiting the Central and Western District this afternoon (March 24):
Reporter: Would you be meeting any Taiwan officials during the trip?
Secretary for Home Affairs: Up to now, we haven't seen anything on that in the itinerary. In Taiwan, we will be mainly attending the closing ceremony of the World Buddhist Forum.
Reporter: So you are ruling out the possibility of meeting any Taiwan officials?
Secretary for Home Affairs: I am not ruling out any chances.
Reporter: You are the first Principal Official going to Taiwan after the handover. What is the whole purpose of this trip? Would you be sending any messages to Taiwan?
Secretary for Home Affairs: I am looking forward to building up better cross- straits relations and hopefully Hong Kong will play an active role in this process. I think this will definitely help promote Hong Kong both in the areas of cultural and religious exchanges.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:38
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