MFA Press Statement: Working Visit by Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, 18 to 19 April 2017

[Credit: Ministry of Communications and Information]

DPM Teo Chee Hean with Chief Executive and Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Leung Chun-ying at the Government House.

[Credit: Ministry of Communications and Information]

DPM Teo Chee Hean hosted to lunch by Chief Executive-elect Mrs Carrie Lam.

                Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Coordinating Minister for National Security Teo Chee Hean is in Hong Kong on a working visit from 18 to 19 April 2017.

                On 18 April, DPM Teo met Hong Kong Chief Executive (CE) and Vice Chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Leung Chun-ying.  DPM Teo congratulated CE Leung on his recent appointment as Vice Chairman of the CPPCC.  DPM Teo and CE Leung reaffirmed the longstanding friendship at all levels between Singapore and Hong Kong and expressed appreciation that officials from both sides continue to have frequent exchanges to share experiences over the years.

                CE-elect Mrs Carrie Lam hosted DPM Teo to lunch, during which DPM Teo congratulated her on her recent electoral success.  They also exchanged views on developments in Singapore, Hong Kong and the region.  DPM Teo expressed confidence in Hong Kong’s future development and reaffirmed Singapore’s commitment to build upon the strong bilateral cooperation in areas including the public service, housing, transport, culture and education.  He also extended an invitation to CE-elect Lam to visit Singapore soon.

                DPM Teo said that the stability and prosperity of the Hong Kong SAR is best assured under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework as an integral part of China.  This arrangement is beneficial to Hong Kong SAR and China.  In addition to building on Hong Kong’s extensive international links and advantages, Hong Kong can benefit from its integration with the Pearl River Delta region and the development of the “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Big Bay area”.

                On 19 April, DPM Teo will have separate meetings with Vice Chairman of the CPPCC and former CE Tung Chee Hwa and a wide range of Hong Kong business leaders to exchange views on the developments in Hong Kong and the region.  DPM Teo will also meet the Singaporean community in Hong Kong over a dinner reception.

.    .    .    .    .

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

18 APRIL 2017