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The delegation of the Tiangong-1/Shenzhou-9 manned space docking and rendezvous mission arrived in Hong Kong today (August 10) to start a four-day visit.
The 40-strong delegation comprises leader Mr Niu Hongguang and astronauts Mr Jing Haipeng, Mr Liu Wang and Ms Liu Yang, as well as key commanders and designers of the manned space programme.
The delegation was welcomed by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam; the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Peng Qinghua; the Commander of the People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison, Mr Zhang Shibo; the Deputy Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR, Mr Li Yuanming; the Deputy Director cum Secretary-General of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Mr Yang Jianping; and the Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Raymond Young.
Some 200 students waved their flags and greeted the delegation with applause and cheering when the delegation entered the arrivals hall. Student representatives presented bouquets to the leader of the delegation and the three astronauts to offer them Hong Kong people's warmest regards. The delegation waved to the crowds in the hall.
In the afternoon, members of the delegation will meet the media to send their regards to Hong Kong people as well as take media questions.
The delegation will attend a welcome dinner hosted by the HKSAR Government at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in the evening to meet people from various sectors of the community.
Ends/Friday, August 10, 2012
Issued at HKT 13:00
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