The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, met the new Director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO) of the State Council, Mr Liao Hui, today in Shenzhen to exchange views on developments since the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

"This is our first meeting. Both of us agree that an early meeting will help strengthen our working relationship," Mr Tung said.

"We exchange views on HKSAR's operation under the concepts of 'One Country, Two Systems', 'Hong Kong People ruling Hong Kong' and 'A High Degree of Autonomy' since July 1."

Mr Tung said the HKMAO took an active part in preparing for the establishment of the SAR throughout the years, thus providing a firm base for the smooth operation of the SAR today.

"Since July 1, both the SAR Government and its people are fully confident in meeting challenges in the new era. We are also working hard for the development of Hong Kong in the 21st Century," he said.

Mr Liao said Hong Kong had been progressing extremely well since its handover two months ago with a stable society and a prosperous economy. The SAR Government led by Mr Tung had been operating successfully and efficiently.

Mr Liao said the HKMAO would play the role of a goal keeper, a liaison officer and an attendant to facilitate SAR Government's communication with the Central Government and its various departments at central and provincial level so as to better serve the SAR Government and its people.

He believed that Hong Kong would not only have a today which was better than yesterday, but also a tomorrow which would be brighter than today.

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