Foreign affairs: Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee meets Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs First Asian Department Director Konstantin Vnukov (left) in Moscow.

Greater travel convenience for people from Hong Kong and Russia will bolster their economic, social and cultural ties, Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee says, adding measures are being explored.

During his visit to Russia on November 15, Mr Lee updated his counterparts at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and law-enforcement agencies on Hong Kong's latest developments, particularly the law and order situation.

He also looked forward to closer cooperation between Russia and Hong Kong in fighting cross-border crimes, including money laundering, terrorism and drug smuggling.

Earlier, Mr Lee told a group of Russian business people that Hong Kong has schemes to attract talent to work and invest in Hong Kong.

Since the reunification, more than 200,000 professionals and other qualified people have come to Hong Kong to work and reside through these admission schemes. To cast the net wider, the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, launched last June, is under review while publicity for other admission schemes is being bolstered and their application procedures streamlined.

"The Government strongly believes that a larger pool of talent will increase Hong Kong's competitiveness, attract more capital and create more jobs. This new blood will turn Hong Kong into an even more vibrant economy," Mr Lee added.