The Civil Service College today held the first talk of a series on the country's foreign affairs jointly with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (OCMFA) in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The discussion, delivered via video-conferencing by Director-General of the Policy Planning Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Miao Deyu, was on the topic of In-depth Study of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy for a Brighter Future of Hong Kong.

About 220 civil servants in the directorate and senior ranks took part in the talk, which was also attended by OCMFA Deputy Commissioner Yang Yirui.

Addressing the event, Secretary for the Civil Service Patrick Nip said that in the macro environment of the new era, it is very important for civil servants, in particular senior officials, to acquire a better understanding of the national development strategy and the evolving international landscape as well as broaden their horizons and enhance their sensitivity.

“It is also important for them to act in concert with the Hong Kong SAR Government to fully implement the principle of ‘patriots administering Hong Kong’ and ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of ‘one country, two systems’ when performing their duties, so that Hong Kong can play its due role and make a greater contribution to the national development.”

Mr Nip emphasised that the college will reinforce the civil servants’ sense of national identity and deepen their capability for broad and strategic thinking through trainings, including strengthening collaboration with the OCMFA to run monthly talks on the country's foreign affairs, which will be delivered by relevant officials of the ministry of foreign affairs.

Such talks will cover various topics to deepen civil servants' understanding of the international scene and the country's positioning, which in turn will enable them to act in concert with the country's foreign affairs policy in handling the relevant areas of work, he added.