HONG KONG -- Chinese top legislator Wu Bangguo said in Hong Kong Saturday night that development and harmony are two major themes to maintain long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability rely on the unity and joint efforts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government and the people of all walks of life of Hong Kong, Wu said.

Wu Bangguo (R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, meets with Donald Tsang, chief executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, in Hong Kong, south China, December 2, 2006. [Xinhua]

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), made the remarks at a welcome banquet by the Hong Kong SAR government at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

Wu arrived at Hong Kong Saturday noon to attend the opening ceremony of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Telecom World 2006 hosted by the HKSAR government at Sunday night.

Delivering greetings and blessings to the guests present at the banquet and all the Hong Kong people on behalf of the central government and President Hu Jintao, Wu said he was happy to meet all the friends here, old and new.

He said "One Country, Two Systems" principle is the best systematic arrangement to maintain Hong Kong's long-term stability and prosperity. In the past nine years and more since China resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong, as the Chinese central government has firmly implemented the principles of "One Country, Two Systems", "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy, Hong Kong compatriots, being the masters of their own affairs, displayed unprecedented passion, supported the HKSAR government in its administration according to law and jointly developed Hong Kong.

He said Hong Kong's former economic and social systems and ways of life remain unchanged. Its laws are also basically unchanged. Hong Kong citizens have enjoyed extensive rights of freedom and democracy according to law. Foreign investors' interests in Hong Kong have been protected firmly.

He said the Hong Kong Basic Law is the fundamental guarantee for Hong Kong's long-term stability and prosperity. The Basic Law made in accordance with the Constitution stipulates the principle of "One Country, Two Systems" and a series of policies for Hong Kong by the central government in the form of law, providing the basic legal basis for Hong Kong's administration, legislation and judicature operations.

He said the mainland is the strong backing for Hong Kong's long-term stability and prosperity. Hong Kong's destiny has always been connected with that of the motherland, so it will become better as long as the motherland is in good situation.

He stressed that Hong Kong should put development atop the list to strengthen its economic cooperation with the mainland, expand relations with the rest of the world, create new advantages and upgrade its international competence so as to improve people's livelihood and promote all-around social progress.

He said the overall situation, unity and tolerance should be stressed from the point of safeguarding Hong Kong's overall and long-term interest when dealing with differences and conflicts in some issues and fostering social harmony.

Wu said the central government will continue to unswervingly implement the principles of "One Country, Two Systems", "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy, support the HKSAR government, as always, to rule by law, further strengthen the cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong in economy, science and technology, culture, sanitation and sports, and make joint efforts with Hong Kong people from all sectors to build a better Hong Kong.

On behalf of the HKSAR government and the Hong Kong people, Chief Executive Donald Tsang extended warm welcome to Wu. He said in his welcome speech the fact that the ITU Telecom World 2006 is staged in Hong Kong shows China's increasingly important international role and Hong Kong's ability to organize large-scale international events. The rise of China has attracted worldwide attention.

He said he is confident that Hong Kong can contribute to the motherland's global competitiveness as she strives to advance ahead in globalization.

Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and Director of Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Liao Hui also attended the banquet.

Before the banquet, Wu met with Hong Kong NPC deputies, senior officials of the HKSAR government and directors of legislature and judicature.