The unprecedented solidarity of the community enabled Hong Kong to prevail against the SARS outbreak, Premier Wen Jiabao says.

Speaking at a ceremony to commend SARS heroes today, Mr Wen commended healthcare workers who risked their lives in the SARS fight.

He also sent his heartfelt condolences to those who lost loved ones in the epidemic.

He said their names, heroism and glorious virtues will live in our hearts forever.

Tight schedule: Premier Wen Jiabao visits the Medical Faculty of Hong Kong University and thanks medical experts for all the work they have done in the SARS fight. He later visited the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

Mr Wen paid tribute to those who contributed to the successful campaign against SARS.

He said healthcare workers fought the disease with extraordinary courage and selfless devotion, science experts raced against time to tackle problems and seek solutions, citizens waged a united battle against the epidemic with one heart and one mind, and the Government faithfully fulfilled its duties and commitment to the people.

He said Mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan people fought the disease shoulder to shoulder in the spirit of mutual assistance.

He said in the battle against SARS, the Central Government did not complain or blame others, but firmly placed the health and life of its people above all else.

"We took decisive measures to prevent the epidemic from further spreading in the country or abroad."

Mr Wen said the outbreak cost us dearly, but it has given us many valuable revelations.

"We are now more keenly aware that harmony between economic and social progress and between urban and rural development is vital to our modernisation drive. We must seek a harmonious coexistence between man and nature."

He said the Central Government will step up its public health contingency mechanism and build a fortified shield to protect the health and life of our people.

"I believe this is a must for all responsible governments."

Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa joined Mr Wen to thank healthcare workers who sacrificed their lives to save the lives and health of others.

He said Hong Kong people will not forget the support given by Mr Wen and President Hu Jintao in the battle against SARS.

The ceremony came after Mr Wen visited the University of Hong Kong and the Stock Exchange this afternoon.

At the university, he told its staff and students there is still a long road to an ultimate victory in the SARS fight. He expected that an effective vaccine will be produced within two years and he wished the university every success in its research.

Speaking on Hong Kong's development, Mr Wen said Hong Kong people should be confident that they are capable of running Hong Kong.

He reminded the university's staff and students that Hong Kong is not only a Chinese city, but also an international city. He believes Hong Kong will have an even brighter future.