HICK 027 / 2 (
RECEIVED IN REGISTRY
IM
- 8 AUG 1984
RY
REIGN AND COMMONWEA
STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND
AFFAIRS, IN HONG KONG, 1 AUGUST 1984
When I was in Hong Kong last week I said that I would keep you
informed about the negotiations in Peking. crucial they are for the people of Hong Kong.
chance to bring you up to date.
I know very well how
So I welcome this
My visit to Peking was devoted almost entirely to the future of Hong Kong. I was able to have long discussions with Foreign Minister Wu Xueqian, Premier Zhao Ziyang and Chairman Deng Xiaoping.
The purpose of my visit was:
-To review progress in the negotiations:
-To make real headway on the remaining issues:
-And above all, to strive for the best possible result for the
people of Hong Kong. That is my overriding objective.
I am glad to say that very substantial progress has been made. have agreed:
We
-First, the framework and key clauses of an agreement which will
preserve Hong Kong's unique economic system and way of life: -Secondly, that this agreement and its annexes will all be legally
binding:
-Thirdly, satisfactory provisions for liaison and consultation after
the conclusion of the agreement.
In addition, the arrangements which will apply in Hong Kong for 50 years after 1997 will be prescribed with sufficient clarity and precision to command the confidence of the people who live, work, trade and invest here.
This progress would not have been possible unless the two sides had approached their task with statesmanship and determination to succeed. The concept of "one country, two systems" is a farsighted one and holds tremendous potential for the future of Hong Kong.
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