The Office of the Commissioner of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has made great contribution to the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, said state councilor Tang Jiaxuan Saturday at a reception organized by the commissioner office.

About 600 representatives from foreign consulates and international organizations in Hong Kong were present at the reception celebrating the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong .

State councilor Tang Jiaxuan said at the reception that during its 10 years of establishment since 1997 when Hong Kong returned to its motherland, the commissioner office in Hong Kong has played an important role in defending the legal benefits of Hong Kong people overseas and promoting cooperation between Hong Kong and foreign countries and regions, making great contribution to Hong Kong 's prosperity and stability.

Tang Jiaxuan, former foreign minister who witnessed the returning ceremony of Hong Kong 10 years ago, arrived in Hong Kong Friday accompanying Chinese President Hu Jintao for the celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong 's return to its motherland.

Also speaking at the reception, Chief Executive of the HKSAR Donald Tsang expressed the Hong Kong government's appreciation of the cooperation and support of the commissioner office, and said he hoped to further develop Hong Kong 's external relations under the joint efforts of the HKSAR government and the commissioner office.

(Xinhua News Agency July 1, 2007)