The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government Friday evening hosted a reception in honor of delegates to the China Tibetan Culture Week, which opened here this morning.

Addressing the occasion, Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang said the culture week activity will help enhance friendship and understanding between Hong Kong and Tibetan people. He hoped that Hong Kong and Tibet will have more exchanges in the future in order to promote economic and cultural development.

Qiangba Puncog, Chairman of the People's Government of the Tibet Autonomous Region, said that the number of Hong Kong people visiting Tibet has risen steadily since 1997 when Hong Kong returned to the motherland.

"This culture week, which displays Tibet's splendid culture and charm, will offer an opportunity for Hong Kong people who have not yet visited Tibet," he said.

The China Tibetan Culture Week features an exhibition of Tibetan cultural relics, religious rituals conducted by ten living Buddhas and performances of Tibetan songs and dances.

It is jointly sponsored by the Information Office of the State Council, the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR and the people's government of the Tibet Autonomous Region.

(Xinhua News Agency July 16, 2005)