Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam made a speech Monday at a reception in celebration of the 22nd anniversary of the establishment of Hong Kong Special Administration Region (SAR), hailing that "backed by the motherland and open to the world, Hong Kong leverages its unique advantages under 'One Country, Two Systems'."

July 1 marks not only the establishment of Hong Kong SAR, but also the 22nd anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.

Lam spoke highly of the implementation of the principle of "One Country, Two Systems," which helps "capitalize on Hong Kong's various advantages to develop our economy and improve people's livelihood."

Lam attributed Hong Kong's long-term stability and prosperity to the great political layout, stressing that "Hong Kong is still internationally recognized as one of the freest economies in the world, with the basic rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people fully protected by the Basic Law."

She also hailed the country's reform and opening-up in her speech, noting that Hong Kong enjoyed greater room for growth and development in social, economic and livelihood areas after its return to the motherland.

Noting the "ups and downs" of Hong Kong over "the controversial fugitive bill" , Lam said she will "learn the lesson," pledging that the SAR government will double its efforts and make the style of governance "more open and accommodating."

"I will learn the lesson and ensure that the Government's future work will be closer and more responsive to the aspirations, sentiments and opinions of the community," said Lam, "The first and most basic step to take is to change the Government’s style of governance to make it more open and accommodating," she added.

On June 15, Lam suspended the amendments of the controversial fugitive bill which aims to fix the existing loophole in Hong Kong's legislation after riots on its streets.

Lam's speech was made at the flag-raising ceremony on Monday morning. The ceremony was a part of the celebration of Hong Kong's return to China.

(Cover: Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam (C) and other government officials attend a reception marking the 22nd anniversary of the Establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, Hong Kong SAR, China, July 1, 2019. /Reuters Photo)