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Following is a speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at the variety show to welcome the Delegation of Shenzhou-6 Manned Space Flight Mission to Hong Kong this afternoon (November 27) (translation):
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is our great pleasure to welcome Delegation Leader Mr Hu Shixiang, Astronauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng and Members of the China Aerospace Science and Technology Group to Hong Kong.
From October 12 to 16, the two astronauts toured space, conducting experiments during their flight. The mission has been followed avidly by the people of Hong Kong. Today, we are very excited to meet the two astronauts face to face. It is also our great pleasure to have the opportunity to honour Astronauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng as well as the scientists, engineers and support staff who have made this trail-blazing space mission a success.
Since the commencement of the manned space programme in 1992, China has made significant breakthroughs in the development of space technology. Within only 13 years, China has become one of the few countries to master manned space flight technology. As Chinese, we are proud of our motherland's efforts and achievements.
In my letter to the Central Government on October 17, I expressed our congratulations on the successful return of Shenzhou-6. I also asked the Central Government to accept my invitation for Astronauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng, as well as the leaders and experts involved in this space mission, to visit Hong Kong. Following the visit made by the first Chinese Astronaut Yang Liwei in 2003, this visit gives us another opportunity to pay our respects to our heroes and share the joys of their success.
Today, the delegation of Shenzhou-6 manned space flight mission has brought us not only the warm regards of the Central Government, but also a gift of three informative films. These movies feature the training of the astronauts, the space mission of Shenzhou-6 and the compiled videos taken by the astronauts during their flight and they have made it possible for us to share all those memorable historic moments. On behalf of the Hong Kong SAR Government and the people of Hong Kong, I would like to thank the Central Government and the delegation for these splendid gifts.
The success of Shenzhou-6 is not only the realisation of our dream to conquer space, but it also marks a new era in China's scientific and technological development. I sincerely hope that there will be continued and tremendous success in the space flight industry of our motherland. I also wish all delegates an enjoyable stay in Hong Kong.
Thank you.
Ends/Sunday, November 27, 2005
Issued at HKT 16:34
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