Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said in Beijing Sunday that the central government will do everything conducive to the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and to the common development of Hong Kong and the inland of China. 

Wen made the remarks during a meeting with the press following the closing session of the annual session of the National People's Congress.

"Our principle is that whatever is conducive to the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, to the common development of Hong Kong and the inland, we will actively do it and give our full support to it," he said when answering a question from Hong Kong press.

The premier said the central government holds an active attitude toward the upcoming issuance of 20 billion Hong Kong dollars of bonds in Hong Kong.

The premier attended a ceremony last June in Hong Kong where the agreement on the Mainland-Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) was signed.

Wen reiterated that the central government will unsparingly uphold the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy as well as the Basic Law of Hong Kong.

The premier hoped that Hong Kong residents can be more united and work together for a better future.

"I sincerely hope that Hong Kong residents can take into consideration the broad situation of the long-term prosperity and stability as well as the long-term and fundamental interests of Hong Kong residents, be united and work together with firm determination for a better future of Hong Kong," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency March 14, 2004)