Chief Executive John Lee met new Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (LOCPG) and National Security Adviser to the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Zhou Ji at Government House today.

They exchanged views on a range of issues, including Hong Kong's opportunities and challenges, and promoting the city's long-term prosperity and stability.

Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to the central government for its continued support to and care for Hong Kong, driving and supporting its transition from stability to prosperity. He also extended his warm welcome to Mr Zhou on his new appointment.

Mr Zhou has had extensive experience in local governance and policy-making from a macroscopic perspective, having previously held such positions as CPC Hubei Standing Committee Member, CPC Henan Standing Committee Member and CPC Henan Provincial Committee Deputy Secretary, and Henan Party Leadership Group Deputy Secretary and Henan Vice Governor.

Since taking office in July 2023 as CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Executive Deputy Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Executive Deputy Director, Mr Zhou has been participating in taking forward Hong Kong's work under national development strategies.

He is well acquainted with the national policies on Hong Kong and actively promoted the implementation of the central government's policies benefitting the city.

Mr Lee expressed confidence in working with Mr Zhou in actively aligning with national development strategies, as well as in implementing fully, faithfully and resolutely the principles of “one country, two systems” and “Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong” with a high degree of autonomy, maintaining the constitutional order of the Hong Kong SAR as stipulated in the Constitution and the Basic Law, implementing the executive-led structure and implementing the principle of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, with a view to ensuring the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, the steadfast and successful implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle, and jointly expediting the development of Hong Kong from stability to prosperity.

During the session, Mr Lee said that Hong Kong is currently undergoing an economic transformation, and that the Hong Kong SAR Government will uphold fundamental principles while breaking new ground, endeavour to take forward reforms, and continue to lead all sectors of Hong Kong society to embrace changes and strive for innovation, actively exploring new areas of development and growth.

The Chief Executive said he believes that under the leadership of Mr Zhou, the LOCPG will continue to support the Hong Kong SAR Government’s governance in accordance with the law.

Noting that Mr Zhou is well acquainted with Hong Kong affairs, Mr Lee said that this will help Hong Kong better contribute to and benefit from its integration into national development, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development and the Belt & Road Initiative.

The session was conducted in a cordial and productive atmosphere, with both officials sharing the common goal of expediting Hong Kong's rise from stability to prosperity.