TNAG-2749-FCO40-3964-Economic-situation-in-Hong-Kong-1993 — Page 51

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Generally speaking, in terms of foreign policy, the new

government has reached agreement among the coalition partners to

continue in principle with the policies of the last LDP govern-

ment. The new cabinet intends to promote even closer dialogue and

cooperation in the fields of economics and politics with the

countries of this region of the world, and is therefore putting

great emphasis on enhancing relations with these countries.

The new

cabinet fully recognizes the importance of the

relations with Asia-Pacific countries, and therefore I am sure

the keeping and strengthening of good relations with Hong Kong

and China will remain a priority. Mr. Tsutomu Hata, who is Deputy

Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, and who is the key member of

the new government has come to Hong Kong on a number of осса-

sions, with his last visit in May of last year as the Head of the

Japan-Hong Kong Parliamentarian League.

(HOPES FOR THE FUTURE OF JAPAN-HONG KONG RELATIONS)

(6) In expressing my hopes for the future of Japan Hong Kong

relations, there are a number of points I should like to explore

and comment upon.