President Hu Jintao speaks during the welcome dinner in Hong Kong June 30 2007. [Reuters]

The concept of "one country, two systems" guarantees the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, and will prove more successful in the future, said Chinese President Hu Jintao in Hong Kong on Saturday.

Delivering a speech at the welcoming dinner hosted by the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Hu said the success of Hong Kong since its return bears full testimony to the immense vitality of the concept of "one country, two systems."

It demonstrates that the scientific concept of "one country, two systems" put forward by Deng Xiaoping is not only the best solution to resolving the issue of Hong Kong, one left over by history, but also the best institutional arrangement that guarantees Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability after its return to the motherland, Hu said.

The arrangement of "one country, two systems" enables Hong Kong to maintain its strength and receive stronger support from the mainland. It enables Hong Kong and the mainland to complement each other and achieve common development, Hu said.

He said that "one country, two systems" is a good policy for Hong Kong, for the whole country, for international investors and for prosperity in the region.

"We have no doubt that in the course of its implementation, the 'one country, two systems' policy will prove even more successful and popular," Hu said.

Hu arrived in Hong Kong on Friday to attend the celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China and the swearing-in ceremony of the third-term HKSAR government

Uunity urged to ensure HK's stability, development

The president called on on Hong Kong people to set aside differences, be inclusive and work together to ensure stability and development of Hong Kong.

Hu said Hong Kong has surely come a long way, but this has not been easy, and the people of Hong Kong should cherish their hard-won progress.

"To ensure stability and development in Hong Kong, a society of diversity, it is important that its people set aside differences, be inclusive and work together to promote their common interests.

"The people of Hong Kong from all social groups, professions and organizations, and with various political beliefs and faiths should follow the call of 'loving the motherland and loving Hong Kong', close ranks, uphold China's national interests and Hong Kong's overall interests, and strive to sustain Hong Kong's prosperity and stability," said Hu.

Fostering sense of national identity among HK youths

Hu Jintao called for fostering a strong sense of national identity among the young people in Hong Kong.

"We should foster a strong sense of national identity among the young people in Hong Kong and promote exchanges between them and the young people of the mainland so that they will carry forward the Hong Kong people's great tradition of 'loving the motherland and loving Hong Kong," said Hu.

Hu showed particular concern for the young people in Hong Kong, "because they represent the future of Hong Kong and, indeed, the future of China."

Achievements in past decade praised

The president went on to hail the achievements Hong Kong has made since its return to the motherland in 1997.

Hu said Hong Kong has prevailed over difficulties over the past decade and is now full of vigor and vitality.

He eulogized the Hong Kong people for having worked together with perseverance and carried forward the proud tradition of "loving the motherland and loving Hong Kong."

He also praised the Hong Kong people for having shown unprecedented great enthusiasm in running Hong Kong's affairs since the region returned to China.

"You have every reason to congratulate yourselves on what has been achieved in this new historical era," said the president.

Hu said the progress Hong Kong has made includes the maintenance of its status as a free port as well as an international financial, trade and shipping center, continued economic growth and social stability, higher living standards, greater public confidence and rising international standing.

He said the whole Chinese nation takes great pride in these achievements Hong Kong has made since its return.

"We take great pride in your talent, energy and dedication that have made these achievements possible," the president said.