Chinese President Hu Jintao said Sunday Hong Kong's remarkable achievement proves that the "one country, two systems" is the best solution to the Hong Kong question left over from history and the best institutional arrangement for the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong after its return to the motherland.

Chinese President Hu Jintao delivers a speech at the swearing-in ceremony of the fourth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Hong Kong, south China, July 1, 2012. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

"Never before have Hong Kong residents enjoyed the range of democratic rights and freedoms as they do now," said Hu in a speech at the inaugural ceremony of the fourth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and the swearing-in of Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

Over the past 15 years, the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy have been fully implemented, said Hu, adding that the compatriots in Hong Kong are now masters of their own fate and manage, on their own, affairs that fall within the autonomy of the SAR.

Since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, the political system and democracy have developed in an incremental and orderly manner, and achieved much progress.

"We should continue to advance the democratic process in Hong Kong as provided for in the Basic Law and the relevant decisions of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress," he said.

Rule of law is a core value of Hong Kong, and the Basic Law has the supreme status in the legal system of the Hong Kong SAR and is the legal basis for administering Hong Kong pursuant to law, he noted.

The president urged the just-inaugurated government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) to promote social harmony and stability and pay greater attention to ensuring equal opportunities, heed the concerns of disadvantaged groups and care about the younger generation so that the people of all sectors in Hong Kong will share the benefits of the city's development and lead a better life.

He also called on people from different social groups and sectors in Hong Kong to bear in mind the overall interests, follow the call of loving the motherland and loving Hong Kong, work for the broadest unity, wholeheartedly support the new SAR government in effectively administering Hong Kong pursuant to law, and increase the cohesion of the Hong Kong society.

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