Lam can take HK to new heights: Xi

Principal officials of the fifth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region take their oaths before President Xi Jinping (right), while newly installed Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor (second from right) looks on, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday. [Photo by XU JINGXING/CHINA DAILY]

President Xi Jinping on Saturday expressed confidence that Hong Kong's new Chief Executive can lead the city to achieving new heights in economic development.

At a meeting with Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor shortly after she was sworn in as the leader of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region's fifth-term administration, Xi said "great responsibilities and a glorious mission" have fallen on Lam's shoulders, and Hong Kong people and the central government have high expectations of her.

He urged Lam to implement the "one country, two systems" principle in a comprehensive and accurate manner.

Reaffirming the central government's unwavering support for Lam and the new HKSAR Government in administering Hong Kong according to law and carrying on the great cause of "one country, two systems", the president hoped Lam will earnestly carry out her duties as Chief Executive and safeguard the authority of the country's Constitution and the HKSAR's Basic Law.

Xi also told Lam to try to further develop the economy, improve people's livelihood and maintain the city's prosperity and stability.

Lam said Xi's visit to Hong Kong showed the central government's support for the HKSAR, adding that the president's remarks during his three-day stay here will boost confidence in the SAR's future.

"It's with a humble heart that I accept this greatest honor of my life and prepare to take on the greatest challenge in my public service career," Lam said at the inauguration ceremony.

She pointed out that Hong Kong must cherish the opportunities offered by the nation's development. "As we capitalize on our strengths and harness the opportunities presented by our country's development, Hong Kong's future is indeed bright and promising," she said.

After their meeting, Lam accompanied Xi to meet key members of Hong Kong's executive, legislative and judicial bodies.

Calling them the "key few"－a term Xi has used to refer to leading officials at the central, provincial/ministerial and local levels－the president said they constitute the "core force" in implementing "one country, two systems" and the Basic Law, and in administering Hong Kong.

He urged the Hong Kong officials to position themselves at the national level when at work and dealing with problems, protect national sovereignty, security and development interests, and perform their duties to the nation.

The president called on them to face up to the challenges and take initiatives to ensure comprehensive and accurate implementation of "one country, two systems", resolve conflicts and difficulties involving the economy and people's livelihood, improve youth education on national history and culture, and work together to curb "Hong Kong independence" activities to safeguard the overall stability and interest of Hong Kong.

In her swearing-in address, Lam also expressed concern that the internal rift in Hong Kong society, if unhealed, may cost Hong Kong the opportunities to move forward.

Another challenge to her administration, she said, is to improve the executive-legislature relationship that has been sabotaged by those putting personal grudges over objective facts. That has hindered the SAR government's governing effectiveness and Hong Kong's economic and social progress, Lam said.

Xi encouraged Lam's team to carry out and improve the executive-led system with the Chief Executive as its core, and deal with the relationship between the executive and legislative bodies properly to ensure the government's smooth and effective governance.