Chinese President Xi Jinping told Hong Kong's Chief Executive-elect Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor that she has great responsibilities and a glorious mission ahead when they met in Beijing on Tuesday afternoon, after Lam received the official certificate of appointment from Premier Li Keqiang.
Xi congratulated Lam on her election and appointment by the central government as the fifth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, the newly appointed chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in Beijing on April 11, 2017. /Xinhua Photo
The president praised Lam for her unwavering love for the motherland and for Hong Kong, as well as her rich administrative experience and capability to handle complicated situations, adding that she enjoys high recognition in Hong Kong society.
Xi said the implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle has achieved great success in Hong Kong since its return to China 20 years ago. "The system stipulated by the Constitution and the Basic Law has been running effectively and guaranteed Hong Kong's prosperity and stability," he stated.
Meanwhile, Xi said Hong Kong faces "challenges and risks," but also "opportunities and hopes," as "some contradictions and problems that accumulated over a long period of time" have emerged in recent years.
"As the next chief executive, you have great responsibilities and a glorious mission ahead," he stressed, calling on Lam to lead the SAR government and all social sectors in an inclusive way and make contributions to the development of Hong Kong.
The national flag of China and the flag of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (L) flutter at Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong, China, on July 1, 2015. /CFP Photo
"The central government will unswervingly adhere to the principle of 'one country, two systems,' 'Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong' with a high degree of autonomy and will support Lam and the SAR government," Xi said.
Lam thanked the central government for its trust and support. She said it is a great honor for her to be elected and appointed as the chief executive at the historic moment of the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China.
As a person dedicated to serving the people, she feels "more humbled" with this honor, Lam added.
On Tuesday morning, Premier Li granted the official certificate of appointment to Lam as the next chief executive of Hong Kong. He said the central government will offer Hong Kong full support in developing the economy, improving people's livelihood and strengthening its exchanges and cooperation with other parts of China.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) grants the official certificate of appointment to Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor as the fifth-term chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in Beijing on April 11, 2017. /Xinhua Photo
Li told her that the central government will formulate a development plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and establish a bond market connect between the mainland and the SAR this year – both moves are aimed at strengthening exchanges and cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong and further boosting Hong Kong's development.
At a press briefing on Tuesday afternoon, Lam said she will focus on the transition of government and make preparations for celebrating the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China in the next two to three months before taking office on July 1.
A priority of her government is to unite people from all social sectors, she said. “Hopefully, the atmosphere will be better after July 1.”
The 59-year-old won the chief executive election with 777 of 1,163 valid votes on March 26.
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