Hong Kong Chief Secretary for Administration Donald Tsang Yam-kuen said Friday that international intelligence information indicated that Hong Kong is not the destination of the terrorist target so far and Hong Kong remains to be one of the world safest places.

He made the remarks after delivering a keynote speech at the opening of "The Chinese World: Moving Forward!" symposium sponsored by the French Chamber of Commerce and two other French organizations.

He said however, Hong Kong would continue to keep constant contacts with the international intelligence organs, keep alert and well prepare for encountering with any possible threat, in an effort to make sure that all citizens and agencies are safe and sound.

In a related development, Commissioner of Police Tsang Yam-pui said Hong Kong police would discuss with related foreign commercial agencies and foreign consulates in Hong Kong whether the agencies require to strengthen the security measures.

He said the Istanbul bombings indicated an escalation of international terrorist attacks. However, no evidence indicated that Hong Kong is threatened to be a direct target of terrorist attacks.

It is reported that at least 27 people were killed and over 448 people were injured Thursday during two huge bombings at British Consulate and HSBC office building in Istanbul, biggest city of Turkey.

(Xinhua News Agency November 21, 2003)