During an inspection tour in Guangdong Province, south China, Hu met Tung Chee-hwa, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) in Shenzhen, a port city neighboring Hong Kong.

Hu told Tung that the central government attached great importance to the well-being and health of the people in Hong Kong, and was highly concerned about Hong Kong's efforts to prevent and curb SARS.

After hearing the report of Tung on Hong Kong's social and economic situation and the HKSAR government's major measures to deal with SARS, Hu approved the efforts of the HKSAR government to maintain prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and to treat, prevent and control SARS.

Hu asked Tung to extend his regards to SARS patients in Hong Kong and convey his gratitude to the doctors, government workers and social workers who had contributed to SARS prevention and control.

Hu also hoped that the HKSAR government would give priority to the prevention and control of SARS, mobilizing people from all works of life to effectively prevent the spread of the disease.

The mainland and Hong Kong should join hands to summarize their successful experience and strengthen cooperation in the fight against SARS, said the president.

He expressed his confidence that under the leadership of the HKSAR government, the difficulties brought about by the disease will be overcome with the persisting efforts of the HK people from various circles, and the city will continue its vitality.

(Xinhua News Agency April 13, 2003)