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Following is the speech (English translation) by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at the Reception in Commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region today (June 30):
Honourable State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, Commissioner Lu Xinhua, Distinguished guests and friends,
It is my great honour to be here today to join the reception in the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), celebrating with you the tenth birthday of the Commissioner's Office.
The Commissioner's Office and HKSAR are like brothers born on the same day. Since Hong Kong's return to the motherland in 1997, the SAR Government and the Commissioner's Office have been working closely to extend the external network of the HKSAR under the principle of "One Country, Two Systems" and the Basic Law framework, safeguarding the interests of the entire nation. Let me give a few examples here:
* Using the name "Hong Kong, China", we have participated in more than 190 international organisations whose membership is not limited to states. We have also participated as part of the delegation of the People's Republic of China, or in such other capacity as may be permitted by the Central People's Government (CPG) and the international organisation concerned, in more than 20 international organisations whose membership is limited to states.
* Since reunification, we have, using the name "Hong Kong, China", concluded on our own more than 160 bilateral agreements with foreign states and regions as well as relevant organisations in areas such as information technology co-operation, custom co-operation, preventive health care, etc. With authorisation and assistance of the CPG, we have also concluded more than 90 bilateral agreements on areas such as mutual legal assistance and air services.
* We played host to the 6th Ministerial Meeting of the World Trade Organization in 2005 and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) TELECOM WORLD in 2006. Even more encouraging is that, with the full support of our nation, Mrs Margaret Chan, the former Director of Health of the HKSAR Government, was elected as the Director-General of the World Health Organization.
The Commissioner's Office and the SAR Government worked very closely on these matters, and I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the incumbent Commissioner, his predecessors and the staff of the Commissioner's Office.
Over the past ten years, the Commissioner's Office has witnessed, together with the SAR Government and people of Hong Kong, the full implementation of the innovative concepts of "One Country, Two Systems", "Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong" and "a high degree of autonomy". We continue to enjoy all kinds of freedom safeguarded by the Basic Law, whilst retaining our ways of life, and our judicial, social and economic systems. Our "can-do" spirit, coupled with the care and support of the country, enables Hong Kong to continue to prosper.
Looking into the future, Hong Kong must maintain its unique international characteristics and continue to play the vital role of linking the country to the global markets, and accomplish further achievements, contributing even more to the modernisation of the country. To this end, we must strengthen our international networks to attract talent, capital and experience. One of the major tasks ahead is to enhance our status as the hub of international conferences and events, as well as to extend our participation in international organisations. With the joint efforts of the SAR Government and the Commissioner's Office, I expect to see further improvement to our external relations and our greater contributions to the country's advancement.
The Third Term of the SAR Government will soon be inaugurated to serve the people of Hong Kong. We will continue to do our best for the prosperity and the stability of Hong Kong. We know that we will encounter unpredictable challenges ahead. But with the full support of our country and the unremitting spirit of the people of Hong Kong, I firmly believe that the HKSAR and the Commissioner's Office will work hand in hand and stride forward, showcasing to the whole world the charm of the Pearl of the Orient, and the strengths, competitiveness and solidarity of the Chinese people.
Thank you.
Ends/Saturday, June 30, 2007
Issued at HKT 13:50
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