Zhou Ji, deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office, and Nong Rong, deputy director of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Thursday visited the victims of the Tai Po fire.

They met them at Tai Po Community Centre and Prince of Wales Hospital, where Zhou conveyed President Xi Jinping's deep condolences over the incident, and also expressed sympathies to the families of the deceased and those affected by the fire.

The liaison office, of which Zhou serves as director, pointed out that after the fire broke out, the SAR government promptly took action to bring the blaze under control.

It expressed confidence that the SAR government will continue efforts to search for the missing, assist the injured, and quickly uncover the cause of the incident.

The office said central authorities would fully support the SAR government should any assistance in rescue and relief efforts be needed.

Zhou Ji and Nong Rong also met with medical staff, district care team members, police officers, and Home Affairs Department staff involved in rescue efforts.

Xu Qifang, executive deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, has also arrived in Hong Kong in the afternoon to assist with disaster relief work.

During a press conference, Chief Executive John Lee expressed gratitude for the central government's support.

“I hope the rescue work can be completed as soon as possible," Lee said.

“We have always maintained some tools and equipment for emergency rescue in the Greater Bay Area, which we believe are good resources that we can utilise,” he added.