The prosperity and stability of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) benefits Hong Kong itself and the world as well, a Chinese official said in Hong Kong on Thursday.

"Looking into the new year, the Commissioner's Office will continue unswervingly to implement the principles of 'one country, two systems', 'Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong', and a high degree of autonomy, and firmly safeguard state sovereignty and supreme national interests," said Yang Wenchang, Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

"The people of the HKSAR, under the leadership of the HKSAR government headed by Tung Chee Hwa, fought against the scourge of SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), worked hard toward development and stability and scored hard-won achievements in the face of enormous difficulties," said Yang at a Chinese New Year's reception held by his office.

Hong Kong achieved an annual GDP growth rate of 3.5 percent last year, which has more than doubled the estimates, and laid a good foundation for the economic growth in the new year, Yang told around 500 guests including HKSAR chief executive Tung Chee Hwa present at the reception.

The achievements were made through hard work of the SAR government and concerted efforts of the Hong Kong compatriots, Yang said.

They were also the results of the care and support of the central government and the people in other parts of the country, he added.

In the past year, the Commissioner's Office strictly abided by the Basic Law of Hong Kong in handling Hong Kong-related foreign affairs, said Yang. And in the future, the Chinese government will continue to implement the independent foreign policy of peace, develop relations of friendly cooperation in an around way with all countries in the world and create favorable surroundings for the economic growth of China and the Asian-Pacific region, he said.

(Xinhua News Agency February 12, 2004)