Dear Mr Ma and friends,

I am pleased to be invited to this spring reception held by the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Since its inception on July 1 last year, the MFA Office has been dealing with our foreign affairs in accordance with the Basic Law. Under the leadership of the Commissioner, Mr Ma, the Office has rendered tremendous support to the HKSAR Government in its external relations and plays a very active and vital role in helping to maintain the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. In the year ahead, I have confidence that the HKSAR Government and the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the HKSAR will continue to work closely and harmoniously. On behalf of the HKSAR Government, I would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Mr Ma and his colleagues.

Let me take this opportunity to wish Mr Ma and all our friends present here good health and the best of luck.

Thank you.