CE warmly congratulates victorious conclusion of &quot;two sessions&quot;
13.3.2023

The first session of the 14th National People's Congress concluded this morning (March 13), with all agenda items successfully completed and key officials of state institutions endorsed. On behalf of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong people, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, extended his warmest congratulations to President Xi Jinping on his unanimous election as the President of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the PRC, and said that it demonstrated people's aspiration, support, trust and reliance. Mr Lee also congratulated all elected and endorsed national leaders, and commended their profound knowledge, rich experience and visionary leadership with a people-oriented approach. Addressing the closing meeting, President Xi said that the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has embarked on an irreversible and historic journey, and that we must firmly promote high-quality development while always putting the people first, better coordinate development and security, make solid efforts in advancing the implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle and the cause of national reunification, and strive to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Mr Lee said that since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the CPC Central Committee, with General Secretary Xi Jinping at its core, had been leading the country in making world-renowned achievements. The great progress made in the first decade of the new era has been a milestone in the history of the new China, the history of the country's reform and opening-up, and the history of the Chinese nation. The country has ushered in a new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, achieved the historic mission of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and embarked on a new journey towards fully building a great modern socialist country and achieving the second centennial goal. President Xi said that the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao is part and parcel of the building of a strong China, and that we must fully, faithfully and resolutely uphold the principle of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong", "Macao people administering Macao" and a high degree of autonomy; remain committed to governing Hong Kong and Macao in accordance with the law; and support the Special Administrative Regions in developing the economy, improving people's livelihood, and better integrating into national development. Mr Lee said he was most encouraged by the President's speech, stressing that as an inalienable part of China, Hong Kong has always been a witness, participant and contributor in the concerted efforts of advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Mr Lee said that the victorious conclusion of this year's "two sessions" manifests the people's aspirations and forges consensus for the new era, boosts the confidence and motivation in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, embarking on a new journey, and advancing the development of the CPC and the country. He added that during the "two sessions", members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Mr Zhao Leji and Mr Wang Huning, respectively attended a deliberation with Hong Kong deputies to the National People's Congress and a discussion with Hong Kong and Macao members of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, demonstrating the Central Authorities' care and support for the HKSAR. Emphasising the close bond between Hong Kong and the motherland, Mr Lee said that the HKSAR will, under the leadership and support of the Central Government, resolutely ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of "one country, two systems" and leverage its strengths to meet the needs of the country. The HKSAR will also play a more extensive and effective role as a participant and contributor in building a modern socialist country and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts, and will actively dovetail with national strategies and more proactively integrate into the overall development of the country, in order to contribute to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Ends/Monday, March 13, 2023 Issued at HKT 13:53 NNNN