Chief Executive John Lee emphasised the crucial roles of the Hong Kong and Macau SARs within the Greater Bay Area during an official visit to Macau on Tuesday.

Leading a high-level delegation, Lee met with Macau Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai.

In a statement following the meeting, Lee said the two SARs will continue to harness their collaborative strengths across key sectors including the economy, cross-boundary infrastructure, tourism and culture.

He said both Hong Kong and Macau are integral parts of the Greater Bay Area and will continue to promote its development.

The Hong Kong delegation visited the Guangdong-Macau In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.

Lee highlighted the strategic significance of the cooperation zone, describing it as a key initiative designed to enrich the practice of One Country, Two Systems, fostering Macau's long-term prosperity, stability and integration into national development plans.

The delegation also toured a Chinese medicine centre there to learn about the integration of traditional Chinese medicine and the cultural tourism industry.

The group also visited the Guangdong-Macau In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin Planning Exhibition Hall that features more than 600 exhibits on new products and technologies.

The Hong Kong delegation included Financial Secretary Paul Chan, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang, Secretary for Health Lo Chung-mau, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan and director of the Chief Executive's Office Carol Yip.

Lee and the officials returned to Hong Kong later in the day.