Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak today travelled to Guangzhou, where she participated in a visit to military barracks by youths from Hong Kong and Macau.

The visit was aimed at promoting national defence education among youths from Hong Kong and Macau, and enhancing their awareness of national security, thereby strengthening their affection for and sense of belonging to the country. About 500 youths from the two places took part in the event, during which they were shown military equipment and barrack dormitories.

Stressing that national security is the foundation for prosperity and stability in society, and of people's well-being, Miss Mak said in an address that today's visit offered an opportunity for youngsters from Hong Kong and Macau to gain an in-depth understanding of the importance of national defence education and national security.

She added that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, attaching great importance to encouraging patriotism and national pride among Hong Kong youths, supports them to take advantage of the opportunities brought by the country's key strategies and integrate into its overall development.

Miss Mak said she encouraged youths from Hong Kong and Macau to equip themselves and contribute to the development of both places, and of the country.