TNAG-2802-FCO40-4042-Hong-Kong-six-monthly-meetings-of-foreign-ministers-1993 — Page 11

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draft legislation to the Legislative Council to pass the

necessary laws.

Whatever the outcome, there will be a continuing need for Britain and China to work together over Hong Kong.

on economic matters. I told Mr Qian of my hope that China would be able to agree soon on the financing package for the new airport, and on Container Terminal 9. Both these projects are important for the

economic future of Hong Kong.

and in the Joint Liaison Group. I expressed my deep disappointment that the work of the JLG had slowed to a

snail's pace.

There is much vital technical work to be

done. Politics need play no part: nor are British interests directly at stake. It is essentially in the interests of Hong Kong and of China that the smooth transition should be made a reality by completing the

JLG's work.

We also had a welcome opportunity today to touch on a number of other regional and international issues in which Britain and China not least as SC Permanent Members

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both have an active interest.

So a useful meeting. I hope it will enable progress to be made on electoral arrangements when the negotiations resume later this month.