President Hu Jintao has arrived in Hong Kong for a three-day visit, saying the city's development is a proud achievement and he has great confidence in its future.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang and his wife Selina greeted him today at the airport.

Touch down: President Hu Jintao steps off his plane in Hong Kong before addressing the media. Chief Executive Donald Tsang accompanies Mr Hu later in the day.

Joyous occasion

President Hu told reporters that the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's reunification with the Mainland is a joyous occasion for the city and the nation.

"In the past 10 years, the principles of One Country, Two Systems and Hong Kong People Running Hong Kong and a high degree of autonomy had been thoroughly implemented in Hong Kong," he said.

"With the support of the Central Government and the Chinese people, the HKSAR Government has united various sectors of Hong Kong people to overcome all sorts of difficulties and risks. Hong Kong's development has been a proud achievement, and it has gained valuable experience to make the administration of Hong Kong under One Country, Two Systems a success."

Mr Hu praised Hong Kong for its recent economic improvement and development impetus. Mr Tsang thanked the Central Government for its support.

During his stay, President Hu will attend 10th anniversary festivities and the inauguration ceremony of the third-term HKSAR Government.