Chief Executive John Lee today expressed his deep sympathy over the passing of former Premier Li Keqiang.

At a media session after he appeared on a radio programme, the Chief Executive recalled the occasion 17 months ago in Beijing when he met Mr Li to receive the instrument of appointment as the sixth-term Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Stating that he felt heavy in his heart to hear the sad news, the Chief Executive said: “Whenever he spoke to me about Hong Kong, I felt very clearly the deep love that he had for Hong Kong. He asked me to make sure to implement fully and faithfully the principle of ‘one country, two systems’, to ensure the constitutional order that has been laid down for Hong Kong under the Constitution and the Basic Law. He also reminded me to successfully implement the principle of ‘patriots administering Hong Kong’.

“What impressed me most is that he kept reminding me to develop the economy, so as to address people’s concerns about their livelihoods. He asked me to implement measures to ensure the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

“His words always remain in my mind, and I have been implementing policies, such as those I have announced in my Policy Address, in accordance with his directions.”

Mr Lee added that he will be watching closely for an announcement by the Central People’s Government regarding the arrangement for people to express their thoughts and memories of the former premier.