Chief Executive John Lee met Xinhua News Agency President Fu Hua at Government House today to discuss enhancing co-operation between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the news agency.

Also attending the meeting were Director of the Chief Executive's Office Carol Yip and Director of Information Services Apollonia Liu.

Welcoming Mr Fu and his delegation to Hong Kong, Mr Lee said that the Xinhua News Agency, the country's national news agency, is an influential world-class media organisation with a global network for news and information collection.

The Chief Executive expressed gratitude to the news agency for its comprehensive coverage of Hong Kong news over the years, including major policies and measures of the Hong Kong SAR Government, and for disseminating the latest and most accurate information about Hong Kong to the world promptly and professionally.

This enabled overseas companies, investors, talent and tourists to understand the actual developments in Hong Kong and accurately recognise the city's real and positive image, he added.

Noting that a series of major events will be held in Hong Kong this year, Mr Lee said the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to leverage the city’s unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle, reinforce its connectivity with both the Mainland and the world, and actively explore new points for economic growth.

He also said the Hong Kong SAR Government will work with the news agency to tell the good stories of both China and Hong Kong and enhance co-operation in publicity.