The recent meeting between National People's Congress Standing Committee Chairman Zhang Dejiang and Legislative Councillors is the result of the SAR Government's efforts to enable all Hong Kong people and lawmakers to have exchanges with Central Government officials, Chief Executive CY Leung says.
Speaking ahead of an Executive Council meeting today, Mr Leung said the Government has always been willing to create opportunities for different sectors of the community to visit the Mainland and have exchanges with officials responsible for Hong Kong affairs.
The meeting that took place during Mr Zhang's visit last week was also attended by pan-democrat lawmakers.
Mr Leung also cited the example of the Government arranging for legislators to visit Shenzhen and Shanghai during the political reform period when they held talks with Central officials.
On the issue of Hong Kong's independence, the Chief Executive reiterated that the Basic Law clearly stipulates Hong Kong is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China, adding that independence calls are detrimental to Hong Kong's relationship with the Mainland and could cost the city the Central Government's support.
