Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan presented the first
consignment of medical supplies to Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung
Chee Hwa on behalf of the central government at a ceremony held
Thursday morning in Shenzhen City, south China's Guangdong
Province.
At
the request of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)
government, the central government promptly prepared these medical
materials and protective gear for the prevention of severe acute
respiratory syndrome (SARS), including top quality protective
outfits, gauze masks and goggles.
More supplies will be sent to Hong Kong.
Tang said the central government attached great importance to the
well-being and health of the people in Hong Kong. And it will go on
giving its full support to Hong Kong and help the city win victory
in the fight against the disease.
Tang said the central government approved the efforts of the HKSAR
government to lead and unite the Hong Kong people from various
circles to prevent and curb SARS.
He
also expressed his confidence that under the leadership of the
HKSAR government, the temporary difficulties brought about by the
disease will be overcome with the persistent efforts of the Hong
Kong people, and the city will maintain its vitality and make
greater achievements.
Tung Chee Hwa expressed his gratitude and respects to the central
government and mainland compatriots, who he said are currently
fighting an all-out battle against the same disease.
Such supplies, said Tung, are also in urgent demand and address not
only Hong Kong's need for material resources, but also boost local
people's spirits, encouraging them to carry on a tenacious struggle
against the disease.
Tung said he and the HKSAR government will work hard to maintain
prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and to repay the support of
the central government and the mainland people with action and
results.
Liao Hui, director of State Council's Hong Kong and Macao Affairs
Office, and Huang Huahua, governor of Guangdong, also attended the
ceremony.
(Xinhua News Agency May 8, 2003)