New HK liaison chief vows to carry out 'one country, two systems'

Luo Huining, new liaison chief in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, made his debut in the city on Monday, pledging to lead the liaison office to faithfully implement the "one country, two systems" principle.

Luo was appointed by the State Council to replace Wang Zhimin as the new director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters in the office lobby at Sai Ying Pun, Luo said "one country, two systems" remains Hong Kong's biggest advantage and the nation will and has always been the city's strongest supporter.

He said he is confident that with concerted efforts by Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, the SAR government and different social sectors, the "one country, two systems" principle will go far and steady and Hong Kong could maintain long-term prosperity and stability.

Luo remarked that Hong Kong is the Oriental Pearl and an international metropolis, while its people have made important contributions to the country's modernization as well as reform and opening-up.

Despite working in the mainland in the past, he is not unacquainted with Hong Kong.

Pointing out that the new post as the liaison chief is a new mission and new challenge to him personally, Luo pledged that he will fulfill his duty with sincerity and a true heart to the city.

During the past half year, the situation in Hong Kong has made everyone concerned, Luo said. And people have been eagerly looking forward to seeing the city go back on track, he added.

During the press briefing, Luo quoted President Xi's comments in his New Year speech about Hong Kong, saying, "Without a harmonious and stable environment, how can there be a home where people can live and work happily?"

Luo said he sincerely wishes for the well-being of Hong Kong and its people, and expressed his New Year blessing to residents in front of the camera.

He said he hoped local media could support the work of the liaison office in the future, and pledged more communication with the public as his work unfolded.