Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday reassured Chief Executive Carrie Lam of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the central government's support in HKSAR government's fight against COVID-19 and its efforts to safeguard national security.

President Xi made the remarks when hearing a report delivered via video link by Lam on HKSAR government's work in 2020, its COVID-19 response and other matters. Xi praised Lam's work, noting that the central government fully acknowledges her firm stance and performance in fulfilling duties.

Hong Kong's COVID-19 fight

President Xi began by sending his sympathy and condolences to all residents in the HKSAR for their suffering during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also reassured Hong Kong residents that the central government will continue taking all necessary measures to fully support the HKSAR government in fighting the virus.

The motherland is always the strong backing of Hong Kong, Xi stressed, calling on all residents to unite in the fight against COVID-19.

COVID-19 remains a challenging task in Hong Kong, a highly open international metropolis. On Wednesday, the HKSAR recorded 60 new COVID-19 cases, taking the total number of its confirmed cases to 10,282, with 174 deaths.

'Patriots governing Hong Kong'

National security was another major issue during the talk as Hong Kong is striving to recover from the social turbulence in 2019 which severely influenced local economy and social stability.

President Xi spoke highly of Lam's performance in leading the HKSAR back on track with resolute implementation of China's national security law for Hong Kong, saying the immediate action shows Lam's firm stand on issues related to national security and her love of and deep sense of responsibility to the motherland and Hong Kong.

Speaking of the turbulence in Hong Kong, the Chinese president said it underscored the importance of faithfully implementing the "One Country, Two Systems" principle and upholding the principle of "patriots governing Hong Kong".

These are fundamental principles that must be followed for the sake of Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability, Xi stressed, adding it is also a matter related to national sovereignty, security and development interests.

Xi also asked Lam to convey his sympathy to officials who have been sanctioned by the U.S.

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Appreciating the firm support from the central government, Lam pledged to redouble her efforts and lead the HKSAR government to overcome all difficulties and get Hong Kong started again.

On Wednesday morning, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang also heard Lam's work report and highly affirmed Lam's work in safeguarding Hong Kong's stability and leading the city to better integrate with national development.

The Chinese premier hopes the HKSAR government would continue their work in epidemic control and prevention, and strive to restore Hong Kong's long-term peace, prosperity and development.

(Cover: Chinese President Xi Jinping hears a work report delivered via video link by Chief Executive Carrie Lam of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on the HKSAR government's work in 2020, its COVID-19 response and other matters, Beijing, China, January 27, 2021. /Xinhua)