TNAG-2369-FCO40-3442-Future-of-Hong-Kong-international-support-regarding-national-1991 — Page 52

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THIRD COUNTRY REACTIONS TO NEWS OF THE AGREEMENT ON THE

HONG KONG AIRPORT

M

USA

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Welcomed the agreement and said that continued cooperation between Britain and China was essential to sustaining confidence in Hong Kong's future. Hoped that Hong Kong's public and business confidence would be boosted by the agreement to proceed with a project which is important for Hong Kong's prosperity and competitiveness as

an international commercial centre into the next Century.

(State Department Press Statement)

CANADA Pleased that an agreement had been reached. The agreement, which addressed the concerns of the British, Chinese and Hong Kong Governments, would contribute to the long-term prosperity and stability of the territory and to restoring investor confidence in Hong Kong. The airport project would ensure Hong Kong's continued role as a major international commercial, financial and transportation

centre and gateway to China.

K

(Statement by Mrs McDougall,

Secretary of State for External Affairs)

JAPAN Welcomed the agreement reached. Confident that the

fact the Chinese and British Governments had been able to

agree on a frame-work for the construction of the new airport. Would mean that the airport's construction will proceed smoothly. Recognised that following the return of

Hong Kong to China in 1997 it would be important for the prosperity and stability of the Asia-Pacific region that,

based on the Sino-British Joint Declaration and Hong Kong's

Basic Law, Hong Kong should continue to enjoy economic

freedom and maintain its prosperity and stability. For this

reason the Japanese Government hoped to continue to cooperate over Hong Kong in the future. (MFA Press Statement)

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