CE continues to call on central ministries

Hong Kong Chief Executive, John Lee, continued his visit in Beijing and called on various central ministries today (March 16). The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Erick Tsang Kwok-wai; the Secretary for Security, Tang Ping-keung; and the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, also joined relevant meetings.

In the morning, Lee called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and met with State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Qin Gang. Qin said that the MFA firmly supports the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in exercising lawful administration, upholding "one country, two systems", promoting Hong Kong's prosperity and stability, and will continue to support, guide and assist Hong Kong in its diplomatic work related to Hong Kong.

Lee expressed his gratitude to the MFA for its continuous support to the HKSAR Government's governance in accordance with the law, and to the work in safeguarding the successful implementation of "one country, two systems" in Hong Kong and the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. The HKSAR Government will make good use of its discourse power to oppose any external forces interfering in Hong Kong's internal affairs, and object any smearing and defamatory remarks to the successful implementation of "one country, two systems".

Lee added that the MFA has always supported the HKSAR in developing external affairs in accordance with the Basic Law to foster Hong Kong's external exchanges and co-operation, and in providing assistance the Hong Kong citizens in distress overseas. The HKSAR Government will continue to maintain close contact with the Office of the Commissioner of the MFA in the HKSAR and dovetail with the overall strategy of the MFA to accurately introduce Hong Kong's latest developments to foreign countries and tell the good stories of Hong Kong and "one country, two systems".

Lee then met with the Minister of Education, Huai Jinpeng, to exchange views on promoting education co-operation between Hong Kong and the Mainland. Huai said the Ministry of Education is willing to actively support Hong Kong's education development. Huai acknowledged the measures on strengthening Hong Kong's education system proposed by Lee in his Policy Address last year, including promoting STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics) education, strengthening vocational and professional education and training, strengthening national education, and promoting the professional development of teachers.

Lee said that as home to five of the world's top 100 universities, Hong Kong has a wealth of outstanding scientific research talents and a solid research foundation, its quality of teaching and learning has ranked among the top. He said that Hong Kong would continue to align with national strategies in education and talent development and contribute to the high-quality development of the country.

Lee expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Education for its strong support to the HKSAR Government's continuous enhancement of education measures, including the guidance and support rendered in the admission of Mainland students to Hong Kong's post-secondary institutions, the implementation of co-operation projects with the Mainland, and the provision of trainings and exchange visits on the Mainland for Hong Kong teachers and students. Lee said the efforts have helped to boost the understanding of national development for Hong Kong teachers and students and strengthened their sense of national identity.

In the afternoon, Lee called on the Ministry of Public Security and met with State Councillor and Minister of Public Security, Wang Xiaohong to exchange views on preventing and combatting cross-boundary criminal activities involving drug trafficking, illegal firearms, smuggling of illegal immigrants and triads, and the co-operation on enhancing training for disciplined services officers.

Lee will continue his visit in Beijing on March 17 to call on different central ministries and institutions and meet with Hong Kong young people in Beijing.