(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-02-27 23:24

HONG KONG - Hong Kong is playing more important role in international economic and trade exchanges, with its international image of "China Hong Kong" further raised, said a senior official of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs here Wednesday.

Lu Xinhua, commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), made the remarks while hosting a reception to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year in his office.

He said that over the past year, his office actively supported the HKSAR to conduct external exchanges and cooperation, fully safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of Hong Kong compatriots overseas.

Lu thanked the HKSAR government and people of Hong Kong for their support to the work of his office, pledging to do more for the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

The reception was attended by nearly 500 people, including Donald Tsang, chief executive of the HKSAR, and foreign diplomats in Hong Kong.