Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor briefs President Xi Jinping in Beijing, China on the latest economic, social and political situation in Hong Kong, on Dec 22, 2021. (PHOTO / INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, HKSAR)

BEIJING – President Xi Jinping on Wednesday met with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, who is on a duty visit to the Chinese capital, Beijing.

During the meeting, the president heard a report from Lam on Hong Kong's current situation and the HKSAR government's work. 

ALSO READ: Xi praises Lam's courage, leadership

Over the past year, Hong Kong has consolidated the achievements in restoring order and the situation has constantly improved, Xi said. The region has achieved notable results in COVID-19 response, steadily recovered its economy and maintained social stability, he added.

Lam has led the HKSAR government in making systematic changes and improvements to Hong Kong's electoral system in accordance with relevant decision of the National People's Congress (NPC) and relevant legislation of the NPC Standing Committee, he said.

The central authorities fully acknowledge the work of Lam and the HKSAR government 

Xi Jinping, President, China

Lam has also led the HKSAR government in successfully holding elections of the Election Committee and the Legislative Council, resolutely implementing the Hong Kong national security law, and taking active measures to promote the HKSAR's integration into the overall development of the country and comprehensively deepen its exchanges and cooperation with the mainland, he said.

The central authorities fully acknowledge the work of Lam and the HKSAR government, said Xi.

He said the elections of the Election Committee and the seventh LegCo held under the new electoral system were both successful, with democratic rights of Hong Kong residents reflected, the principle of "patriots administering Hong Kong" implemented, and a political landscape established with wide and balanced participation from all social groups and constituencies.

READ MORE: Xi shares hopes for a stable HK

Practice has proven that the new electoral system adheres to the "one country, two systems" principle and fits Hong Kong's realities, Xi said, calling it a good system that will provide strong institutional support for the steady and sustained development of "one country, two systems" and Hong Kong's enduring prosperity and stability.

Noting that "one country, two systems" is conducive to safeguarding the fundamental interests of the country, the HKSAR and Hong Kong compatriots, Xi said the central authorities will continue to unswervingly implement the "one country, two systems" principle.

Senior officials including Han Zheng, Ding Xuexiang, Guo Shengkun, You Quan, Wang Yi and Xia Baolong attended the meeting.

President Xi also met with Ho Iat Seng, chief executive of the Macao SAR, and heard a report on Macao's current situation and the Macao government's work.