Outgoing Secretary for Security Regina Ip thanked members of the media who met her at the airport on arrival from Beijing last night "for the enthusiastic way you have covered my work and myself in the past years".

She noted that as Director of Immigration and then Secretary for Security, she had worked closely with colleagues in the Mainland during the past seven years. "We have built up a very good working relationship," Mrs Ip said.

"Now that I am leaving my post, the Central People's Government has asked me to visit Beijing again to bid farewell. I was very glad to have the opportunity to call on my old friends."

In the past day in Beijing, she visited a number of Chinese leaders, including Procurator-General Jia Chunwang, State Councillor and Minister of Public Security Zhou Yongkang, and the Director of Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Liao Hui.

"I am very grateful to them for their concern about me and my family and their support for my work," she said.

Members of the public have also expressed support and concern since Mrs Ip announced her resignation a week ago. Her office has received "a lot of flowers, letters, email and presents," she said.

"I am really very grateful for the Hong Kong public for their kindness towards me and I wish all of them a very bright future."

To the reporters, she added: "I wish you all the best both in your private life and in your work. Thank you very much."