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REMARKS AT DINNER FOR DELEGATIONS TO THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP
MEETING
Ambassador Ma, Ambassador Guo, members of the two delegations to the 28th Sino-British Joint Liaison Group meeting:
Welcome to this dinner in the historic Locarno Suite. Last time, at JLG XXIV, September 1992, I was unavoidably absent on a visit to Cambodia. Apologies, but tonight I am here in body as well as in spirit, and am extremely pleased to be able to greet you in person. I am especially pleased to welcome Hugh Davies at this, his
debut at the JLG.
All of us here know well the great responsibility placed on us by the Joint Declaration. Only through close Sino-British co-operation will our two sides be able to discharge that responsibility effectively. Only through such co-operation will we be able to achieve a smooth transition to ensure Hong Kong's future success, to preserve Hong Kong's stability and prosperity. That is in the interests of both our countries, and indeed of the people of Hong Kong.
This meeting takes place against a background of some differences of view between the two sides over the way forward on electoral issues in Hong Kong. But the British side is keen to continue the talks in order to resolve the more difficult issues. Even if it is not possible to agree on some individual issues, we should still seek cooperation on as broad a front as possible.
There is much important work to be done in this week's meeting. You have a long agenda. I am confident that the Joint Liaison Group is equal to its task. But this will require mutual trust, hard work and a recognition that each of the subjects on the agenda must be tackled on its merits.