************************************************
The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, today (September 7) held a bilateral meeting with the Secretary of State of the United States of America, Dr Condoleezza Rice, in Sydney ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting.
During the cordial 20-minute session, they exchanged views on a range of issues covering the latest social, political and economic developments in Hong Kong.
The Chief Executive said the rule of law, freedoms and human rights, and a level playing field for businesses, had been maintained in Hong Kong.
Mr Tsang also told Dr Rice that a Green Paper had been published to consult the public on the options, roadmap and timetable for implementing universal suffrage in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
"There has been a diversity of views on the topic, and I have made a pledge in my election manifesto to resolve this issue completely during my term of office," Mr Tsang said.
Dr Rice told Mr Tsang that she appreciated the Special Administrative Region's efforts in tackling terrorist financing through international financial centres. Mr Tsang assured her that Hong Kong had been vigilant in preventing all forms of money laundering.
Speaking of the Doha Development Agenda, they both agreed that member economies should bring the Doha round negotiation to a timely and successful conclusion.
The Secretary of State also noted with interest that Hong Kong would host the equestrian events of the 2008 Olympic Games.
Tomorrow, the Chief Executive will join the Leaders' Dialogue with APEC Business Advisory Council in the morning. He will attend the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in the afternoon.
Ends/Friday, September 7, 2007
Issued at HKT 11:28
NNNN