Chinese President Hu Jintao said on Monday that the Central Government will continue giving firm support to the Hong Kong Special Administration Region (HKSAR) in tiding over temporary difficulties and making greater achievements.

Meeting HKSAR Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa in Bangkok on the sidelines of the 11th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economic leaders' meeting, Hu expressed satisfaction with Hong Kong's economic recovery and the improvement of the people's livelihood there.

Hu said he is confident that under the leadership of the HKSAR government headed by Tung, Hong Kong compatriots will unite as one and overcome the temporary difficulties and make greater achievements in economic and social development and other areas.

Tung thanked the Central Government and the mainland's support for Hong Kong's development, saying the SAR government and Hong Kong compatriots have the determination and confidence to build a better Hong Kong.

Tung also extended warm congratulations on the success of the motherland's first manned space flight.

(Xinhua News Agency October 20, 2003)