The Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council on Wednesday sent a message of condolence over the passing of Tung Chee-hwa, expressing deep sorrow and extending sincere sympathies to his family.

In the message addressed to Tung's wife, Betty Tung Chiu Hung-ping, the offices hailed Tung as an outstanding contributor to "One Country, Two Systems," a renowned patriot, an outstanding social activist and a close friend of the Communist Party of China.

Tung served as vice chairman of the 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th National Committees of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), as well as the first- and second-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

The message said Tung devoted his life wholeheartedly to China and the country's Hong Kong region, making major and historic contributions to Hong Kong's return to China, its smooth transition and the successful implementation of "One Country, Two Systems."

His tenure as chief executive marked a pioneering stage in which the concept of "One Country, Two Systems" was translated from concept into reality, the message said.

Tung faithfully and resolutely implemented the policies of "One Country, Two Systems," "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy, as well as the Basic Law of the HKSAR. He united the HKSAR government and all sectors of society in tackling a series of complex political, economic and social challenges, safeguarding China's sovereignty, security and development interests, and maintaining overall stability in Hong Kong, it said.

After stepping down as chief executive, Tung continued to put the fundamental interests of the country and Hong Kong first. As a vice chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC, he supported successive chief executives and HKSAR governments and consistently contributed to national development and the cause of "One Country, Two Systems," according to the message.

It also praised Tung for his firm support for China's reform and opening up, modernization, as well as his efforts to leverage Hong Kong's unique strengths and promote exchanges and cooperation between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland.

Drawing on his extensive connections and broad influence, Tung made friends at home and abroad and played an important role in promoting exchanges between China and other countries, the message said.