HKSAR hosts welcoming dinner in honor of President
(Xinhua)

The government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) hosted a welcoming dinner in honor of Chinese President Hu Jintao here Saturday evening.

Toasting at the dinner, Hu said that the success of Hong Kong since its return bears full testimony to the immense vitality of the concept of "one country, two systems."

He said that "one country, two systems" is a good policy for Hong Kong, for the whole country, for international investors and for prosperity in the region.

The progress Hong Kong has made includes the maintenance of its status as a free port as well as an international financial, trade and shipping center, continued economic growth and social stability, higher living standards, greater public confidence and rising international standing, Hu said.

He called on Hong Kong people to work together to ensure Hong Kong's stability and development.

"To ensure stability and development in Hong Kong, a society of diversity, it is important that its people set aside differences, be inclusive and work together to promote their common interests.

"The people of Hong Kong from all social groups, professions and organizations, and with various political beliefs and faiths should follow the call of 'loving the motherland and loving Hong Kong', close ranks, uphold China's national interests and Hong Kong's overall interests, and strive to sustain Hong Kong's prosperity and stability," said Hu.

In his toasting, Hu showed particular concern for the young people in Hong Kong, "because they represent the future of Hong Kong and, indeed, the future of China."

"We should foster a strong sense of national identity among the young people in Hong Kong and promote exchanges between them and the young people of the mainland so that they will carry forward the Hong Kong people's great tradition of 'loving the motherland and loving Hong Kong'," said Hu.

Also speaking at the dinner, Chief Executive of the HKSAR Donald Tsang, on behalf of the people of Hong Kong and the SAR government, extended the warmest welcome and deepest gratitude to President Hu and his entourage.

Tsang said, "Looking back over this past decade, we can rightly take pride in our achievements and the many unforgettable challenges we have overcome. The one that stands out the most is our success in working together to turn the great concept of 'one country, two systems' into a living reality."

He said the world can see that under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong is more vibrant than ever. The rapid development of the mainland has undoubtedly presented Hong Kong with more opportunities.

"Given the valuable experience we have gained over the past decade," he said, the government and people of Hong Kong "are even more confident that Hong Kong will shine brighter under the innovative concept of 'one country, two systems' and be able to contribute even more to our country's development in the years ahead," he said.

President Hu came to Hong Kong on Friday to attend the celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China and the swearing-in ceremony of the third-term HKSAR government.