(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

Chief Executive John Lee today said good communication and understanding with the central government’s Liaison Office facilitates both good governance and the central government’s formulation of policies for Hong Kong.

Mr Lee made his remarks in response to media questions about his meetings with the new Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (CPGLO) Zhou Ji.

Mr Zhou also takes up the office of National Security Adviser to the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Mr Lee said: “I respect Director Zhou Ji because he has a humble personality and a pragmatic character.

“In my dealings with him while he was working in the (CPC Central Committee) Hong Kong & Macao Work Office in the last two years, my communication with him was very good and it was always a pleasant experience.

“He has a lot of local administration experience, and he takes the interests of Hong Kong close to his heart. And he is a staunch supporter for the faithful and correct implementation of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle, which, of course, is the cornerstone for the success and prosperity of Hong Kong.”

The Chief Executive also explained why he had met Mr Zhou twice within the first week of the latter taking office.

“Good communication and understanding with the CPGLO will be beneficial to both the governance of the Hong Kong SAR Government and also in assisting the central government in designing policies for Hong Kong.

“I think communication and understanding is important so that the actual situation of Hong Kong is correctly reflected, and also the aspirations and requests of the Hong Kong SAR Government can be duly reflected.”