Transcript of remarks at press conference on celebration of 20th anniversary of establishment of HKSAR (with video)
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Reporter: Mr Cheung, could you tell us what are the arrangements for President Xi Jinping and other state leaders' visits during the ceremony, and is the Government prepared for a large-scale protest during their visit? And also, lawmakers have criticised the Government for dashing out cash to events unrelated to the celebration of the handover. How would you rebuff those criticisms? For example, could you explain how – I've checked the website – could you explain how an exhibition about ancient Egypt is related to the handover? Thank you.
Chief Secretary for Administration: Right. The first question is whether there will be state leaders visiting Hong Kong for the celebration. I'm not in a position to disclose anything at the moment, but I'm sure that when details are available, the Government will announce it in due course, first of all. Secondly, you asked the question about whether we are giving out money indiscriminately. The answer is certainly “no”. The whole purpose is to really foster social cohesion, foster social unity, build a caring, compassionate, cohesive community. So that's one of the themes running though these celebrations, for this particular exercise to share – it's cohesive community building. So we are actually talking about mobilising the community to build a really caring society in the process. OK?
As regards Egypt, relationship is actually in museum. We're talking about really British Museum and also for Palace Museum and so on. Betty can explain a little bit later. The purpose of working together with the British Museum to bring this exercise to Hong Kong, well perhaps Betty you can say a few words about it.
The Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs: Well, thank you for the question. I think it has been LCSD’s ongoing efforts to collaborate with different museums around the world and British Museum is certainly one of the most renowned museums that has entered into long-term collaboration with LCSD. And this year they have chosen the theme of ancient Egypt which is part of our efforts to introduce to the Hong Kong public the different civilisations in the world. We have exhibitions, collaborations with Palace Museum to showcase the Chinese civilisations as well as the Musée du Louvre on the French and also the civilisations around the world. I think British Museum for the Egypt civilisations is something that the Hong Kong public want to see and to know more about. So that’s why they come up with the idea of this sort of collaboration.
Chief Secretary for Administration: I will also add the fact that this also underlines the strength of Hong Kong. We are a cultural hub as well, bringing the best of the world to Hong Kong – France, Britain, Beijing and so on – so that we are really, you know, consolidating our position, in particular to prepare for the future development of the West Kowloon Cultural District.
Reporter: You haven't answered whether the Government is prepared for a large-scale protest during the state leaders' visits.
Chief Secretary for Administration: I'm sure the Hong Kong Police Force can tackle any problem. OK?
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Thursday, April 6, 2017
Issued at HKT 21:45
Issued at HKT 21:45
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Audio / Video
Press conference on celebration of 20th anniversary of establishment of HKSAR