Joining forces: President Hu Jintao told Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa that he approved the Government's efforts to maintain prosperity and stability and to treat, prevent and control atypical pneumonia.

President Hu Jintao says the Central Government will give full support to Hong Kong and help the city win the fight against atypical pneumonia.

During an inspection tour to Guangdong, Mr Hu met Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa in Shenzhen yesterday, reiterating the Central Government's high concern about the well-being and health of the Hong Kong people, and the efforts to prevent and defeat the disease.

Mr Hu also asked Mr Tung to send his regards to patients and convey his gratitude to medical staff as well as Government and social workers who help to fight the virus.

Mr Tung also reported to him Hong Kong's social and economic situation and the Government's major measures to deal with the disease.

Mr Hu approved the Government's efforts to maintain prosperity and stability and to treat, prevent and control atypical pneumonia.

He also hoped that the Government would give priority to the prevention and control of the virus, mobilising people from all walks of life to effectively prevent its spread.

Mr Hu said the Mainland and Hong Kong should join hands to strengthen cooperation in the fight.

He also pledged the full support of the Central Government for Hong Kong, including the provision of medical supplies and protective gear.

He pointed out that the Central Government has asked all provinces and cities to make their best effort to beat the disease.

He is confident that under the leadership of the HKSAR Government and with various sectors of the community fighting shoulder to shoulder, the difficulties brought about by the disease will be overcome and the city will continue to thrive.