TNAG-1869-FCO40-2657-Relations-between-Hong-Kong-and-Macau-1989 — Page 166

6 Mar 89

FE/0401 A3/4

SWB

with recent government warnings against over-optimistic expectations for co-operation and exchanges... (Yonhap in English 0241 gmt 3 Mar 89)

PORTUGUESE PRESIDENT VISITS MACAO AND

HONGKONG

Abstract of reports

The Portuguese President, Mario Soares, began a four-day visit to Macao on 28th February, accompanied by the Portuguese Deputy Prime Minister, Eurico de Melo. The President's first visit to Macao takes place in the second year of the transition period leading up to 1999 when China will regain sovereignty over Macao. In the afternoon, the Governor of Macao, Carlos Melancia, briefed the President and other officials on the latest developments in Macao. (Xinhua in English 1033 gmt 28 Feb 89)

At a welcoming banquet hosted by the governor, President Soares expressed his full confidence in the future of Macao under the Sino-Portuguese joint declaration signed in 1987. He said the declaration had worked out the principle for a stable, friendly and prosperous development, and demonstrated the maturity in diplomacy of both countries. He said he hoped that the transfer of Macao's sovereignty would be carried out in a "transparent and continuous” manner so as to guarantee the legitimate interests of both sides and a wide-ranging autonomy in the region's institutional, political and economic affairs. Concerning obstacles during the transitional period, he expressed his clear support of Governor Melancia and said their resolution would further enhance the trust and friendly relations between Portugal and China. Governor Melancia described the presidential visit as the “highest” in a series of official visits which will enhance the confidence of local residents in the future of Macao. (Xinhua in English 0808 gmt 1 Mar 89)

President Soares stressed the necessity of promoting economic development and the modernisation of Macao's administration so as to ensure its independence in economic affairs. Governor Melancia pointed out that in order to fully implement the spirit and provisions of the joint declaration, the Macao government must have the participation of Portuguese organisations. (Zhongguo Xinwen She, Peking, in Chinese 1534 gmt 28 Feb 89)

On 1st March, President Soares addressed the local legislative assembly where he said the most important task at present in Macao is to avoid instability in society and ensure the development of the region. He added that Portugal could now feel an obviously greater obligation towards Macao because of the signing of the joint declaration. (Xinhua in English 1650 gmt 1 Mar 89)

President Mario Soares has arrived in Hongkong from Macao for a 29-hour stay (RDP in Portuguese for abroad 1155 gmt 3 Mar 89). During his visit he paid a courtesy call on the Governor of Hongkong, Sir David Wilson on 4th March. They discussed similarities between the situations in Hongkong and Macao (RDP, Lisbon 1800 gmt 4 Mar 89).

OTHER REPORTS

Taiwan not to interfere with indirect trade with PRC (Excerpt) Economics Minister Chen Li-an said [on] Monday [27th February] the government should not interfere in trade and investment activities between Taiwan and mainland China if they are handled through third countries. Chen said Taiwan's businessmen need not take instructions from the government because they know much better than the latter the economic situation across the straits. He said he believes Taiwan entrepreneurs are well aware of the major flaws in the mainland's infrastructure and its legal system. They need not be told of the risks involved in investing there, he added. He pointed out that it is very difficult to define direct or indirect trade between the two parts of China. Therefore, he said, it is difficult to use laws to govern this highly political issue. He said the government should just worry about preventing sensitive technologies from being leaked to the mainland as economic exchanges increase... (CNA in English 1533 gmt 27 Feb 89)

Taiwan, Hongkong and Macao reporters welcomed to NPC and CPPCC sessions The forthcoming second session of the seventh NPC and second session of the seventh CPPCC National Committee welcome coverage of the event by reporters from Hongkong, Macao, Taiwan and foreign countries. Hongkong and Macao reporters may submit their applications to the All-China Journalists' Association through the Hongkong branch of the Xinhua news agency. Taiwan reporters may submit their applications to the All-China Journalists' Association through the Hongkong branch of the Xinhua news agency or Chinese embassies or consulates in foreign countries. The deadline for filing an application is 10th March 1989. (Xinhua in Chinese 1227 gmt 28 Feb 89)

Mongolia and Vietnam sign co-operation plan

D. Yondon, MPR First Deputy Foreign Minister, and Dang Gia Tat, SRV ambassador to the MPR, signed a plan of co-operation between the foreign ministries of the two countries for 1989-90 in Ulan Bator on 27th February. (Montsame in English 1730 gmt 28 Feb 89)

MPR trade delegation visits Inner Mongolia A Mongolian government trade delegation led by the First Deputy Minister of Foreign Economic Relations and Supply of the MPR, arrived in Hohhot on 26th February for a one-day visit. Bu He, chairman of the autonomous regional government, met the Mongolian delegation to discuss bilateral trade and reform and economic development in the two countries. (Hohhot, Inner Mongolia regional service 1130 gmt 27 Feb 89)