GIB/L/F/1621
FROM: DIB
TO: ALL OVERSTAS OFFICES
OCTOBER 27, 1983
Franscript of a statement by Mr Timothy Renton, Kinister of State for Foreign and Commomitealth Affairs, on arrival in Hong Kong on Sunday, October 27, 1985
10/2015
68
Good afternoon. It's a very great pleasure for me, as an individual, to renew my acquaintance with Hong Kong. It's ten years since I was last here and I know there've been a great many developments and changes in that time and I look forward to seeing some of those in the days ahead,
It's a symbol, I think, of those changes that we've been able to fly here overnight from Lendón in just over 12 hours. And that certainly wasn't possible tm years ago and I hope that that symbolises the incressing close- ness between Great Britain and Hong Kong. But more important than that this is my first visit, my first official visit to Hong Kong as a Minister in Ker Kajesty's Government,
I look forward very much to the discussions that I'll be having with the Governor and with senior officials! I look forward to attending the opening of the new Legislative Commoil; to visiting, to attending a District Board meeting and to visiting Tuen Mun New Town, And I hope very much to meet as many people of Hong Kong as possible during these days,
Obviously, as Minister in Her Majesty's Government responsible for Hong Kong I like to think I am quite well-informed about Hong Kong's plans and concerns, but there is nothing that cùm beát first hand experience and that is one of the reasons why I am here today.
And the importance that we attach to Hong Kong is measured by the fact that spart from a few hours in Brussels attending a NATO meeting, this is my first official visit overseas since I succeeded Richard Lune at the Foreign Office and took over his responsibilities at the begining of last month. I hope very much to continué'and develop the same close relationship with Hong Kong that Richard Luce bad, and I would just like to say in alosing that Her Majesty's Government takes very seriously and intends to honour fully its commitments to Hong Kong between now and 1997. The signature of the Hong Kong Agreement does not mean any slackening in our determination nor any loosening in our will to honour our obligations.
And to you ladies and gentlemen of the press, I would just like to say how much I should look forward to seeing you at our press conference on Thursday morning and to answering any of your detailed questions then. Thank you very much indeed,