Down Under: US Secretary of State Dr Condoleezza Rice met with Chief Executive Donald Tsang to exchange views on recent Hong Kong developments.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang met with US Secretary of State Dr Condoleezza Rice in Sydney ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation Economic Leaders' Meeting.

During this morning's 20-minute session, the two exchanged views the latest social, political and economic developments in Hong Kong.

Mr Tsang said Hong Kong had maintained the rule of law, freedoms and human rights, and a level playing field for businesses. He also noted a Green Paper had been published to consult the public on the options, roadmap and timetable for implementing universal suffrage.

"There has been a diversity of views on the topic, and I have made a pledge in my election manifesto to resolve this issue completely during my term of office," Mr Tsang said. 

Dr Rice expressed appreciation for Hong Kong's efforts to tackle terrorist financing through international financial centres. Mr Tsang assured her Hong Kong had been vigilant in preventing all forms of money laundering.

The two agreed that WTO member economies should bring the Doha round negotiation to a timely and successful conclusion.

Tomorrow, Mr Tsang will join the Leaders' Dialogue with the APEC Business Advisory Council in the morning and attend the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in the afternoon.