China's central government is highly concerned about the situation of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Hong Kong, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said here on Tuesday at a meeting with Tung Chee Hwa, chief executive of theHong Kong Special Administrative Region of China.
Relative departments of China's mainland and Hong Kong have conducted effective cooperation in preventing the spread of SARS, including cooperation in epidemic reporting, and exchanges of experience in the prevention and treatment of the disease, said the premier.
Both Wen and Tung are here to attend the China-ASEAN special meeting on SARS.
Wen said that the central government, at the request of the chief executive, will deliver as soon as possible a large quantityof gauze masks, eyepatches, protective suits and other necessitiesto Hong Kong.
The SARS situation in Hong Kong is being gradually brought under control thanks to efforts made by the government led by TungChee Hwa and people from all walks of life in Hong Kong, the premier said.
Wen expressed the confidence that Hong Kong people will eventually succeed in fighting SARS through concerted efforts.
During the meeting, Wen also paid his heartfelt respect to the medical staff fighting SARS in Hong Kong and extended his sincere condolences to the victims.
Meanwhile, Tung told the premier that the measures adopted by the Hong Kong government to deal with SARS have taken effect, adding he is confident that the current difficulties will be finally overcome.
(Xinhua News Agency April 30, 2003)
