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Following is a Joint Statement agreed by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Donald Tsang, and the President of the European Commission, Mr Jose Manuel Barroso, during their meeting in Brussels on 7 November 2006:
The European Union (EU) and Hong Kong share many common interests as important economic partners. At our meeting today, we noted the long-standing relationship between the EU and the HKSAR. We recognise that bilateral relations between the EU and the HKSAR are good across the board.
The European Commission has recently published a Communication on Hong Kong recognising that the "One Country, Two Systems" principle has been respected and is working well. Hong Kong welcomes this and also the proposal to further enhance the existing close cooperation between the EU and Hong Kong on trade, economic and other areas within Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy under the Basic Law.
At our last meeting, in Hong Kong in July 2005, we agreed to explore options for a more structured dialogue between the European Commission and the HKSAR Government to help foster understanding and to broaden and deepen cooperation in areas of common interest. This dialogue has now been agreed and we have asked our senior officials to ensure that it is implemented smoothly and quickly.
Following the success of the sixth World Trade Organisation Ministerial Meeting held in Hong Kong in December 2005, the EU and HKSAR remain committed to early resumption and successful conclusion of the Doha Development Round negotiations.
We agreed that Hong Kong provides European companies with an unrivalled platform from which to develop their commercial interests in Asia. EU companies benefit from the HKSAR Government's efforts to provide an efficient business environment for all.
We agree to maintain close contacts at all levels to ensure that our increasingly important relationship develops positively and any challenges and opportunities are recognised quickly and responded to effectively.
Ends/Wednesday, November 8, 2006
Issued at HKT 01:41
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