Hong Kong is a place where Chinese and Western cultures blend, tradition and modernity merge and the old and new unite to present a unique contrast. On July 1st, Hong Kong marked the 25the anniversary of its return to China.
On this auspicious occasion, Pakistan Prime Minister Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif extended congratulations to the Chinese President Xi Jinping, Chinese Government and its people by saying that Hong Kong is the meticulous example of the successful implementation of ‘One country, two systems.
Upon his arrival in Hong Kong on Thursday last, President Xi was warmly welcomed by the residents from all walks of life. Hundreds of young people and members of the pubic waved flags and flowers at the welcome ceremony featuring the performance by Police Band and Lion Dancing.
On his part the President said that he was very pleased to visit Hong Kong once again and extended his best wishes to the Hong Kong compatriots. Xi who is also the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission attended a meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the 6th term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on July 1.
He also met with newly inaugurated Chief Executive of the Hong Kong John Lee and expressed full support to him and confidence in Hong Kong’s future. The President also called on Lee to unite people from all walks of life in advancing Hong Kong’s prosperity and writing new chapters of the practice of one country two system .
In his landmarked speech delivered at the celebration Xi said ‘one country, two systems’ has been tested and proved right, time and again and there is no reason to change such a good system and that it must be adhered to over the long run. He added that the systems attained universally acknowledged success over the past twenty-five years during which the city got through various storms and challenges and made steady strides forward. He said Hong Kong’s return opened a new epoch in its history. It has made irreplaceable contributions to the miracle of long -term steady and fast economic development of the motherland.
The President noted that socialism with Chinese characteristics is the country’s basis system and the Communist Party of China’s leadership is the essential attribute of socialism with Chinese characteristics by urging all residents of Hong Kong and Macao to thoroughly respect and uphold the nation’s basic system and that the fundamental purpose of the systems is to uphold national sovereignty and security and development interests and maintain the long term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao.
On its part, the Hong Kong community said that it was greatly elevated and encouraged by President Xi’s visit, which demonstrated his great care and support for the city as it emerged stronger after withstanding a string of recent challenges.
Lawmaker Joephy Chan Wing Yan termed the visit a strong endorsement of ‘patriots administering Hong Kong’ will greatly boost people’s confidence in the new political system and guide the city’s future development under the nation’s blueprint.
During an inspection tour of the Hong Kong Science Park, Xi had warm exchanges with academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chinese Academy of Engineering, Researchers and Young Entrepreneurs and expressed the hope that tradition of loving the motherland and Hong Kong will be carried forward and more contribution will be made to build China into a global leade
er contributions to safeguarding national security and the region’s long-term stability. He also underlined the need to comprehensively strengthen its defence capacity in accordance with the new situation and the tasks it faces and make greater contributions in advancing steady and long-term practice of the principle of one country, two systems in Hong Kong.
On their part Pakistanis are deeply touched upon Hong Kong’s silver jubilee celebrations of unification with China and expressed their determination to serve the Chinese nation honesty and humility.
Hong Kong based a Pakistani national, Tahir Iqbal has termed the day as very special by saying that everyone is confident that Hong Kong’s journey of progress and prosperity will continue. He added that Pakistanis in Hong Kong will continue to play their role for its lasting prosperity and development.
Mirza Fiaz said that , that have every kind of opportunity in Hong Kong, so much so, the religious freedom and that all credit goes to China for providing such outstanding opportunities.
Mufti Mohammad Shoaib said that they are leading their lives with full freedom and that they are proud to be there. He predicted Hong Kong’s remarkable prosperity under the visionary leadership of the motherland.
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At the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Garrison in Hong Kong the President urged to comprehensively strengthen its capacity for fulfilling its mission and make great
