The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah, today (September 24) attended the Lancang-Mekong Cultural Cooperation Forum in Ningbo, at which he delivered a speech introducing Hong Kong's cultural development and its cultural ties with the five countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam) along the Mekong River.
 
     Mr Lau noted that Hong Kong has established cultural co-operation frameworks with various economies. Among the five participating countries along the Mekong River, Hong Kong has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cultural Co-operation with Vietnam. He expressed the hope that Hong Kong can sign MoUs with other countries along the Mekong River. Mr Lau also noted that Hong Kong invites the city's consulates to co-present the annual Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances for audiences to enjoy splendid performances including ethnic music and dance. Hong Kong's local arts groups also frequently visit other places, including countries along the Mekong River, for cultural exchange, to help achieve people-to-people bonds.
 
     Mr Lau pointed out that Hong Kong will host the 10th Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum this November, which will provide a platform for cultural ministers to exchange views and share their experience. He invited the participating cultural ministers to attend the forum in Hong Kong.
 
     While in Ningbo, Mr Lau also attended the opening ceremony of the Asia Arts Festival. He will return to Hong Kong this afternoon after concluding his visit to Ningbo.

Ends/Sunday, September 24, 2017
Issued at HKT 11:30

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