condolence opened at Government House and at Government offices through- out the territory. Some 11,000 people paid their last respects during the lying-in-state at Government House.
THE ROYAL VISIT
7. Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness Prince Philip visited Hong Kong from 21-23 October following their historic tour of China. The pro- gramme arranged for the Royal Visitors was designed to entertain them, as well as give them an impression of the enormous progress which has been made in all aspects of the territory's development since their previous visit in 1975. 8. During a busy stay The Queen and Prince Philip had the opportunity to see some of Hong Kong's many achievements in the fields of education and culture, manufacturing and commerce and in the development of the New Towns in the New Territories. They were able to meet a wide cross-section of Hong Kong people, including leading members of all sections of the community, young people, students and ordinary families.
9. The Royal Visit was undoubtedly greatly enjoyed by the Hong Kong people. It was a symbol of the continuing commitment of the United Kingdom to Hong Kong, in the period of transition up to 1997; echoed by Her Majesty's own words to the people of Hong Kong: ‘As you move towards a new phase in your development, our thoughts will always be with you'.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION
(a) Contacts with the Chinese Government
10. Over the past year there have been a number of meetings between members of Her Majesty's Government and Chinese Ministers, at which Hong Kong has been discussed. Both sides have reaffirmed their commitment to the full and faithful implementation of the Joint Declaration in the interests of maintaining Hong Kong's prosperity and stability. The historic visit of Her Majesty The Queen to China, in October 1986, demonstrated the close and cordial relationship between the United Kingdom and China, a relationship in which agreement on the question of Hong Kong has played a significant part.
(b) Sino-British Joint Liaison Group
11. The second, third, fourth and fifth meetings of the Joint Liaison Group have taken place during the period covered by this report. Good progress has been made in agreeing detailed practical arrangements to enable Hong Kong to make a smooth transition from British Dependent Territory to Special Admini- strative Region of the People's Republic of China in accordance with the Joint Declaration. The Group's principal achievements in this period have been:
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