Chief Executive John Lee has called for unity and dialogue in maintaining friendly relations across the globe, saying Hong Kong is willing to foster ties amid an ever-changing world.

He also on Saturday vowed to make the SAR a "safe and stress-tested harbour" in times of uncertainty, during a ceremony marking the inauguration of the Hong Kong Association for External Friendship.

"In today's complex and rapidly evolving global landscape, where co-operation is no longer a given, we must unite and remain open to dialogue, to maintaining friendly relations with different places that are eager to pursue development," Lee said.

"Even in the harshest of storms and headwinds, Hong Kong will remain a safe and stress-tested harbour. We may not be able to change the global current, but united, we can sail together and chart our common course of cooperation and friendship."

Cui Jianchun, the commissioner of the Foreign Ministry's office in Hong Kong, urged the association to act as a bridge to foster friendly exchanges between China and other countries, and become a window for the world to better understand the nation.

The Beijing official pointed to the central government's latest work report, which emphasised supporting Hong Kong and Macau in deepening international cooperation, saying it "injects new momentum and creates fresh opportunities".