Chief Executive toasts Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II

The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, said today (June 5) that Britain had come a long way in the 50 years since Queen Elizabeth II had acceded to the throne.

"Today, the United Kingdom's success is marvelled around the world, a country that is confident, forward-looking, prosperous and full of dynamism," he said.

Mr Tung was speaking at a reception in Hong Kong to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the Queen Elizabteh II this evening.

Follows is the full text of Mr Tung's speech:

James, Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

It is a great pleasure for me to join you all here this evening to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne. I was at that time about 15 years old. I can still remember vividly the many celebrations that took place here in Hong Kong. There was no satellite broadcasting at that time, but I also remember seeing pictures of the grand celebrations that took place in London, in the entire country, and in the Commonwealth to mark that great occasion.

Fifty years on, the UK has come a long way. In the early 50s, the country was still working through the hardship and sufferings of the ravages of war and had just begun the process of rebuilding of the nation. Today, the United Kingdom's success is marvelled around the world, a country that is confident, forward-looking, prosperous and full of dynamism.

Fifty years on, the British people are justly proud in celebrating the many achievements and in marking the 50th anniversary of the Queen's accession, the Queen is held in so much regard and affection by all her subjects.

In Hong Kong, as we are about to celebrate the fifth anniversary of China's resumption of sovereignty over Hong Kong, we take pride in being part of China, a China that is moving forward confidently and purposefully and taking her rightful place in the community of nations of the world.

Five years on, we also are extremely happy with the vigorous and constructive relationship we have with the United Kingdom. A relationship, I have said many times, has been and will be a very special one for us here; and a relationship that I have no doubt will grow from strength to strength in the years ahead.

I would now like to offer my congratulations to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, on reaching this golden milestone in her reign.

Now, I would like to ask you to join me in a toast :

"To the Queen and the people of the United Kingdom"

Ends/Wednesday, June 5, 2002