Top of the class: State Councillor Liu Yandong visited the Hong Kong University's faculty of medicine, where she was briefed on its history and visited the Genome Research Centre. She then met with Sinologist Prof Jao Tsung-i.

State Councillor Liu Yandong urged China to enhance international co-operation in education and work closely with Hong Kong in tertiary education during a visit to the University of Hong Kong this morning.

HKU Council Chairman Dr Leong Che-hung, Secretary for Education Michael Suen and Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow greeted Madam Liu at the institute's faculty of medicine.

She praised its high level of research excellence and encouraged the faculty to continue its dedicated hard work and contribute to society.

She said the university had rich experience in nurturing young talent and profound academic achievements.  "I hope that Hong Kong will join hands with the Mainland to raise the level of education in the country," she said.