The head of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO), Xia Baolong, kicked off his visit to the SAR on Thursday, a trip Chief Executive John Lee said reflected the central government's care for Hong Kong.

Xia was accompanied by deputy director of the HKMAO, Wang Linggui, and was greeted by Chief Secretary Eric Chan and deputy director of the Liaison Office, Chen Dong, on arrival at the airport in the morning.

He then spent the day visiting the Foreign Ministry's office as well as the Chief Executive's Office, and met SAR officials and Executive Council members at the government headquarters.

Chief Executive John Lee said on Thursday evening that he had explained to Xia the progress of the government's work and issues officials are focusing on.

"Director Xia fully affirmed the work and governance of the SAR administration over the past nine months or so, and encouraged the entire governing team and civil servants to continue working hard," Lee told reporters.

The CE said he believes Xia would be able to thoroughly learn about Hong Kong, and that this six-day trip fully reflected the care from the central government and the HKMAO director for the territory.

He said Xia is on a tight schedule and stayed mum on where the Beijing official would go to for most of the trip.

The top official will attend the opening ceremony of the National Security Education Day on Saturday.

During his six-day stay, he’s also expected to meet legislators and government advisors, and visit schools and inspect major infrastructure projects.

Welfare sector lawmaker Tik Chi-yuen said he hopes to bring up issues, such as people's sense of belonging and greater public participation in the city's affairs, during the upcoming meeting.

Xia was one of the mainland officials who accompanied President Xi Jinping during his visit to the SAR last year marking the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland.

Wang Guangya paid a three-day visit to Hong Kong in 2011 as director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office.
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Last updated: 2023-04-13 HKT 20:55