The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, today (Friday) met with three American religious leaders who were on a stopover in Hong Kong following a visit to China.

They are Rabbi Arthur Schneier, Dr Don Argue, and Archbishop Theodore McCarrick.

During the meeting, Mr Tung briefed the visitors on the smooth implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle.

"Hong Kong's religious policy had remained the same as before the reunification," Mr Tung said.

"Religious freedom is one of the fundamental rights enshrined in the Basic Law. People in Hong Kong have continued to enjoy religious freedom," he said.

"Our community accepts and respects diversity in religious beliefs. The Government will continue to accord a high status to religious groups and organisations," Mr Tung said.

"We must be sensitive to the historical and cultural background of different communities and respect their beliefs and values," he added.