President reaffirmed support for Hong Kong ( 2003-10-21 01:58) (China Daily)
The central government firmly supports the social
and economic development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR),
China's president said yesterday.
Hu Jintao reiterated the commitment during a meeting with HKSAR Chief
Executive Tung Chee-hwa.
Tung expressed his warm congratulations for the success of the motherland's
first manned space flight.
Hu said it was a glorious reflection on all Chinese including Hong Kong,
Macao and Taiwan compatriots and overseas Chinese.
Hu said he is greatly pleased by the recovery of Hong Kong's economy and the
improvement in its people's livelihoods.
The president said he is confident that Hong Kong residents, working in
solidarity under the leadership of the HKSAR government, will overcome the
temporary difficulties they face and make greater economic and social
achievements.
Also yesterday, Hu held separate talks with Mexican President Vicente Fox and
Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo.
Fox told Hu that the fast development of China is a force of stability in the
region and brings huge opportunities for Mexico's own economic development.
Toledo said Peru will firmly stick to the one-China policy, adding it regards
China as one of its best partners.
Hu said China is willing to promote overall relations with Mexico and Peru on
the basis of equality and reciprocity.
In another development, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing yesterday held a meeting
with US Secretary of State Colin Powell. It followed the meeting between Hu and
US President George W. Bush on Sunday.
Li said China is willing to work with the United States to implement the
consensus reached by the heads of the two countries and constantly enhance
bilateral exchanges and co-operation in anti-terrorism, trade and culture.
Powell said trade ties are an important part of bilateral relations and the
United States understands China's concerns.
Powell said he hopes the two nations can maintain dialogue with a more open
and flexible attitude for the smooth development of bilateral trade links.
China is willing to conduct timely communication and co-ordination with all
parties in relation to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's nuclear
issue, Li said.
Powell thanked China for its positive stance on the Korean Peninsula and
Iraq.
The United States is willing to enhance communication with all parties and
continue to push for the Beijing six-party talks process, he
added.
