CS attends opening ceremony of 60th Anniversary of Establishment of China-France Diplomatic Relations - Evolving Cities: Beijing & Paris exhibition (with photos/video)

Celebrating 60 years of china-france relations: chief secretary's speech at beijing & paris exhibition opening ceremony - strengthening ties and fostering understanding

Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, at the opening ceremony of the 60th Anniversary of the Establishment of China-France Diplomatic Relations - Evolving Cities: Beijing & Paris exhibition today (July 6):

Now, may I say a few words in English.

My thanks to the DAB (Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong) and Professor Tam Siu-cheung for jointly organising this inspiring exhibition to mark the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations.

As President Xi Jinping said this year, the unique history of China-France relations has shaped the "China-France spirit" of independence, mutual understanding, foresight, mutual benefit and win-win co-operation. In this symbolic year, the two countries issued four joint statements, and signed close to 20 bilateral co-operation documents, to lay a more solid foundation for exchanges and co-operation ahead.

The thematic exhibition here couldn't be timelier, I am pleased to note. It is particularly meaningful for the exhibition to be held in Hong Kong – a city with the unique advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland, while being closely connected to the world, thanks to the "one country, two systems" principle.

This exhibition will guide Hong Kong people and other visitors to gain a quick understanding of how China and France developed a comprehensive strategic partnership in the past 60 years.

With diplomacy being an important part of a country's development, Hong Kong people can also deepen their knowledge of the motherland's history and, in turn, strengthen their sense of national identity.

No less important, the partnership between China and France provides valuable insight for the exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and France. I have every confidence that the two economies can forge closer ties in trade, culture, and much more, in the spirit of mutual understanding and mutual benefit likewise.

On that note, I wish this exhibition a big success and all of you the best of health, and business, in the year to come. Thank you.

CS attends opening ceremony of 60th Anniversary of Establishment of China-France Diplomatic Relations - Evolving Cities: Beijing & Paris exhibition (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CS attends opening ceremony of 60th Anniversary of Establishment of China-France Diplomatic Relations - Evolving Cities: Beijing & Paris exhibition (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CS attends opening ceremony of 60th Anniversary of Establishment of China-France Diplomatic Relations - Evolving Cities: Beijing & Paris exhibition (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CS attends opening ceremony of 60th Anniversary of Establishment of China-France Diplomatic Relations - Evolving Cities: Beijing & Paris exhibition (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CS attends opening ceremony of 60th Anniversary of Establishment of China-France Diplomatic Relations - Evolving Cities: Beijing & Paris exhibition (with photos/video) Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"Senior Police Call Share the Love 2024" launched today

Senior Police Call (SPC) officially launched the "SPC Share the Love 2024" today (October 5) to distribute blessing bags to the needy in society to express love and care. At the same time, the scheme also demonstrated the SPC spirit of “helping oneself and others”.

Officiating at the kick-off ceremony held at the Police Sports and Recreation Club this morning, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Siu Chak-yee, said that to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, the HKSAR Government had launched various celebratory activities with the theme of "Love our Country, Love Hong Kong, Love our Community". He added that this year also holds special significance to the "SPC Share the Love" as it also marks the 10th anniversary of the SPC.

Mr Siu reminded the elderly to raise awareness on road safety and emphasised that nurturing the elderly to become the Police’s fight crime partners has always been the mission of the SPC. He expressed gratitude to the members for joining hands with the Police to fight crime over the years. He also thanked all sectors of society for supporting the SPC and assisting the Police in disseminating anti-crime and road safety messages, thereby enhancing the elderly’s happiness as well as fostering a sense of satisfaction and belonging in the community.

During the ceremony, members of the Yuen Long District SPC and the World Nunchaku Association (HKNA) presented a spectacular nunchaku performance to the audience, along with the song “The Chinese”. In addition, by staging a drama, SPC ambassador, Mr Ng Tai-keung, reminded the senior citizens to stay alert to recent scams where fraudsters impersonate the staff of social welfare organisations to obtain personal information of the elderly under the pretext of handing out money or other benefits.

After the ceremony, Mr Siu and the Deputy Commissioner (Operations), Mr Chow Yat-ming, another officiating guest, visited Caritas Elderly Centre - Ngau Tau Kok in Choi Ying Estate and Pok Oi Hospital Mr Kwok Hing Kwan Neighbourhood Elderly Centre in Hoi Lai Estate respectively to call on the elderly and distribute the blessing bags with food and daily necessities.

In addition, from today until October 11, two “SPC Fight Crime Vigour” publicity trucks will tour various districts across Hong Kong to disseminate crime prevention messages. During this period, the Police Community Relations Offices and SPC members from 22 police districts will distribute blessing bags to the needy in the community to demonstrate the Force’s motto of “Serving Hong Kong” and express love and care to the elderly, in pursuit of the SPC spirit of “helping oneself and others”.

Other officiating guests of the ceremony included the Chairperson of SPC Central Advisory Board (CAB) cum the Regional Commander of Hong Kong Island, Mr Kwok Ka-chuen; the Vice-Chairperson of SPC CAB cum the Chief Superintendent of Public Relations Wing, Mr Leung Chung-man; and representatives of SPC CAB, Ms Ng Yin-mui; Dr Dominic Chu Chun-ho; Mr Wilfred Ng Sau-kei; and Dr Malcolm Lam Wai-wing. Furthermore, a number of members of SPC CAB also attended the ceremony and participated in the distribution of blessing bags.

Launched in February 2014 with the motto – “SPC Spirit Helping Oneself and Others”, the SPC Scheme is open to anyone aged 55 or above. Through this scheme, the Hong Kong Police Force hopes to provide an effective platform for the elderly to maintain close contacts with the Force, and to participate in meaningful activities as well as to serve the community. It also provides training for the members to promote crime prevention.

"Senior Police Call Share the Love 2024" launched today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"Senior Police Call Share the Love 2024" launched today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"Senior Police Call Share the Love 2024" launched today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"Senior Police Call Share the Love 2024" launched today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"Senior Police Call Share the Love 2024" launched today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"Senior Police Call Share the Love 2024" launched today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

"Senior Police Call Share the Love 2024" launched today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases