President Hu Jintao said Saturday that the central government will continue to implement the basic policy of "One Country, Two Systems", pledging full support for the governments of Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions (SAR) to maintain long-term prosperity and stability in the two regions.

President Hu made the remarks while meeting with Tung Chee Hwa, chief executive of the Hong Kong SAR, and Edmund Ho Hau Wah, chief executive of the Macao SAR, on two separate occasions Saturday evening in Beijing.

The two chief executives are attending the ongoing session of National People's Congress (NPC) as nonvoting delegates.

During his meeting with Tung Chee Hwa, Hu acknowledged that the economy of Hong Kong has shown the momentum of recovery with increased confidence of local residents, which is the result of common efforts of all walks of life in Hong Kong under the support of the central government.

The president pledged the central government would continue support the Hong Kong SAR government's work in line with the basic law, and help Hong Kong to recover its economy.

He called on personages from all walks of life in Hong Kong to concentrate their efforts through uniting as one in their efforts to overcome difficulty and constantly strive for a better future of Hong Kong.

Hu spoke highly of the positive discussion on the principle of "One Country, Two Systems" in Hong Kong, and said that it is necessary to review Deng Xiaoping's theory on "One Country, Two Systems", which is still playing an significant role in guiding the practice.

During his meeting with Edmund Ho Hau Wah, the president praised the government for its efforts and progresses in maintaining the good situation in Macao.

Hu hoped that the Macao SAR government and all walks of life in Macao would continue implement the "One Country, Two Systems" principle and the basic law, and press ahead with the momentum of economic development and stable society, and explore and accumulate new experiences on successful practice of "One Country, Two Systems" policy.

Vice-President Zeng Qinghong was present at the two meetings.

(Xinhua News Agency March 7, 2004)