President Hu Jintao said Wednesday that the central government will continue to implement the basic policy of "one country, two systems,'' pledging full support for the governments of Hong Kong and Macao, to maintain long-term prosperity and stability in the two regions.

President Hu Jintao meets Tung Chee-hwa, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), in Beijing December 3, 2003. Hu also held talks with Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Tung's counterpart of Macao SAR. [Xinhua]

President Hu made the remarks while meeting separately with Tung Chee-hwa and Edmund Ho Hau Wah, chief executives of Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions (SAR) respectively, Wednesday in Beijing. The two chief executives are here reporting on their work to the central government.

During his meeting with Tung, the president praised the Hong Kong SAR government's work to improve its administration and people's livelihood, safeguard social stability and promote economic development.

With the support of the central government, Hu said, the mainland and Hong Kong SAR government are working together to implement a Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA).

The economy of Hong Kong has shown the momentum of recovery with increased confidence from local residents, Hu acknowledged.

Hu said he hoped Hong Kong authorities would continue their efforts to improve communication with all walks of life in Hong Kong, and draw on the wisdom of the public to improve their services.

Hu also underlined the vital significance of the role of Hong Kong compatriots in bringing about economic revitalization and development in the region.

After hearing Tung's report on the comments from the Hong Kong community concerning political system examination, Hu said the central government has a clear-cut position on the development of Hong Kong's political system.

The central government holds that the political system must progress according to the specific conditions in the region and in line with the Basic Law of HKSAR.

Hu said he believed that the Hong Kong community will be able to reach a broad-based consensus on the issue.

During his meeting with Macao's Edmund Ho Hau Wah, the president praised the local government for achieving the good situation under which Macao enjoys social stability and a growing economy, while local residents live and work in peace and contentment.

Since China resumed its sovereignty over Macao, Hu said, the SAR government has been taking initiatives and been pragmatic in making progress in improving the situation of law and order, pressing ahead with government administrative reform, defining economic development strategies and policies that conform to the concrete conditions of Macao, and deepening economic co-operation with the mainland while expanding international exchanges.

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