Hong Kong and Beijing have signed a document on the overall arrangements for the equestrian events for the 29th Olympic Games and the 13th Paralympic Games, the Home Affairs Bureau says. The document sets the basis for mutual collaboration.

The Beijing Organising Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad Vice-President Liu Jingmin and Secretary for Home Affairs Dr Patrick Ho, who is also BOCOG Equestrian Committee (Hong Kong), signed the document in Beijing today.

When BOCOG signed the Host City Contract with the International Olympic Committee in Moscow in July, 2001, it had not been decided that the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events would be relocated to Hong Kong.

There was a need for a document that outlined the arrangements for the equestrian events between BOCOG and Hong Kong after the relocation decision was made.

The arrangements include the provision of an internationally recognised equine quarantine protocol, a safe and well-ordered society, a system that facilitates smooth entry to and departure out of Hong Kong, all aimed at ensuring a smooth running of equestrian events.

The document outlines arrangements made, for such matters as security, immigration, and transport. Click here to read the gist.