Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa and other Government officials met Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs Shen Guofang today to discuss Hong Kong's external affairs.

They spoke on using the Mainland's diplomatic resources to support and help Hong Kong expand external co-operation in various fields, including trade, economy, technology, culture, education and tourism, in accordance with the Basic Law, as well as to protect the legitimate rights of Hong Kong people abroad.

Mr Tung thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its support for Hong Kong and for its work in protecting Hong Kong people's rights abroad.

He said the Government will strengthen communication and co-operation with the ministry to expand Hong Kong's external exchange and maintain its long-term prosperity and stability.

The latest consular protection work relating to Hong Kong was also discussed, and an agreement made to further improve the co-operation mechanism.