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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, will visit Brussels from September 8 to 10, and London and Edinburgh from September 11 to 16. During his visit, Mr Tsang will meet political and business leaders in Belgium and the United Kingdom to discuss Hong Kong's latest developments.
While in Brussels, Mr Tsang will meet top government officials including the President of the European Council, Mr Herman Van Rompuy; the Prime Minister of Belgium, Mr Yves Leterme; and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, Mr Steven Vanackere. He will also meet with Crown Prince Philippe. In addition, he will address a gala dinner to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Belgium-Hong Kong Society, and officiate at the Dragon Boat Festival in Antwerp.
While in London, Mr Tsang will meet senior British government officials including the Prime Minister, Mr David Cameron; the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Mr William Hague; and Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr George Osborne. He will also call on the Duke of York, Prince Andrew.
Mr Tsang will officiate at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Tourism Board Street Carnival, at the "Artistic Hong Kong Reception and Exhibition", and attend a working breakfast hosted by All Party Parliamentary China Group. He will also speak at the "Think Asia, Think Hong Kong Symposium" organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), at a luncheon organised by the Hong Kong Association, and at the HKTDC annual dinner.
While in Edinburgh, Mr Tsang will meet the First Minister of Scotland, Mr Alex Salmond, and attend a working breakfast with university presidents and provosts. He will also address the "Hong Kong: China's Global Financial Centre" seminar organised by Invest Hong Kong, and the Scottish business community at a luncheon hosted by the Scottish Development International.
During Mr Tsang's absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, will be the Acting Chief Executive.
Ends/Monday, September 5, 2011
Issued at HKT 17:15
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