The Commissioner's Office entertained over 400 ranking officials and celebrities in Hong Kong in a Spring Festival Reception on February 27th.Director Gao Siren of the Liaison Office, Chief Executive Donald Tsang and his wife, among other guests attended the reception. Here is the transcript of Commissioner Lu's speech on that occasion.

Commissioner Lu's Speech at the Spring Festival Reception

(check against delivery)

Honorable Chief Executive Donald Tsang,

Honorable Director Gao Siren of the Liaison Office,

Honorable Commander Wang Jitang and Political Commissar Zhang Rucheng of the PLA Hong Kong Garrison,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On behalf of all the staff of the Commissioner's Office, my wife and I would like to extend a warm welcome to all guests and friends here and wish you a happy new year.

2006, the year we just rang out, witnessed fresh achievements in China's political, economic, cultural and social undertakings, most notably the launching of the 11th Five Year Plan, and the building of a harmonious society, which can only be achieved through the collective efforts of the Chinese people as a whole. China, adhering to the path of peaceful development, engaged in communication and cooperation with the international community on all fronts, actively participated in international affairs and worked for peaceful solutions to hotspot issues and has made fresh contributions to the building of a world of sustained peace, common prosperity and harmony.

2006 was a year of importance for Hong Kong. With the support of the central government, Chief Executive Donald Tsang put economic development and improving livelihood at the centre, and led the Hong Kong SAR community to remarkable achievements in promoting economic prosperity and social stability. Hong Kong people now have every confidence in the city's long-term development. Hong Kong SAR government, by actively engaging in international economic and trade affairs, has bolstered Hong Kong's presence around the world, which is exemplified by the successful ITU exhibition in Hong Kong and Margaret Chan's election as the WHO DG.

In 2006, the Commissioner's Office handled diplomatic affairs involved Hong Kong in strict accordance with the Basic Law, firmly safeguarded China's state sovereignty, actively supported Hong Kong in its communication and cooperation with other countries and areas in various fields and effectively protected the legitimate rights and interests of Hong Kong compatriots overseas. We appreciate the understanding, cooperation and support received from the Hong Kong SAR government and friends from all sectors. Please accept my sincere appreciation for that.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Hong Kong has returned to her Motherland for 10 years. In the new year, the Commissioner's Office will enhance its cooperation with the SAR government, employ China's diplomatic resources to further Hong Kong's international profile and presence by supporting the SAR government to engage globally in economic and trade, science and technology, cultural, tourism and other fields. We will work harder to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Hong Kong compatriots overseas and make renewed contributions to Hong Kong's long term prosperity and stability.

On the sideline of the celebrations for the tenth anniversary of Hong Kong's handover, the Commissioner's Office will also host a series of functions to celebrate its 10th birthday. We look forward to seeing friends who have shown interested in our work and supported us.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This year is the Year of the Pig according the Chinese lunar calendar. As a Chinese proverb has it that "with the Year of Pig comes great fortune", therefore, I wish you prosperity in the year of the Pig, and every success in your businesses.

May I propose a toast to:

The peace and development of our great Motherland,

The prosperity and stability of Hong Kong SAR,

And the health of our friends here.

Best wishes to you and your family.

Cheers!