The current geopolitical situation and Hong Kong developments were discussed during encounters between President Xi Jinping and Chief Executive John Lee at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit, the city’s leader said on Saturday.

The two were among leaders attending the high-level Apec meetings held in the South Korean city of Gyeongju.

“I was very glad that I could make use of this opportunity to report to him the latest social and economic development of Hong Kong. We also very slightly touched on the geopolitical situation that we are facing,” Lee said.

“I feel all along the sincere care of President Xi about Hong Kong and his staunch support for Hong Kong.”

Asked if December’s Legislative Council election came up in the talks with Xi, Lee only said there was limited time for them to chat and that authorities were going to do their best at what they needed to do.

He also said the SAR is “fully prepared” to support next year’s Apec summit, which will be held in Shenzhen.

“The Hong Kong SAR will do all our best to support and cooperate with all the possible arrangements that will be of help to the overall launching of the meeting,” he said.

“I believe that the central government will take into the whole arrangement of the different set-ups of the Apec conference and also will make reference to the guidelines that are laid down by Apec.”

Hong Kong has strengthened ties with South Korea as well as a number of countries in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, Lee added.

On whether a Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office would be set up in South Korea, Lee said the process would involve a number of legal issues and both sides were in talks on the matter.