Legal experts and scholars from Hong Kong and Chinese mainland gathered here Saturday for discussing Hong Kong's constitutional development and marking the 15th anniversary of the promulgation of the Basic Law.

Hong Kong Acting Chief Executive Donald Tsang, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong Gao Siren, and HK Legislative Council President Rita Fan attended the seminar organized by the Joint Committee for the Promotion of the Basic Law of Hong Kong.

Tsang said at the seminar that since Hong Kong returned to the motherland in 1997, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region ( HKSAR) government has been implementing the principles of "One Country, Two Systems", "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy and has gained remarkable achievements that are recognized by the international community.

As a result, Hong Kong has maintained its prosperity and stability and had guaranteed all freedom and rights enjoyed by its people. Based on the Basic Law, Hong Kong continues to be a bright "Pearl of the Oriental" and maintains the status of an Asia's world city, he added.

Chairman of the Joint Committee for the Promotion of the Basic Law Wong Fu-wing said the Basic Law, based on a wide range consultation of the Hong Kong people at the stage of drafting, is a "crystal" of the mainland and Hong Kong legislation and embodies the spirit of "One Country, Two Systems" to the utmost.

Wong added that it is of great significance to promote the Basic Law among Hong Kong citizens and let them know that the Basic Law is conducive to Hong Kong's prosperity and stability.

Wang Zhenmin, a legal expert from Qinghua University, noted that the drafting and implementation of the Basic Law is an unprecedented great undertaking and it is natural to have different understanding of a certain article.

He stressed the drafting and implementation of the Basic Law are aimed at guaranteeing the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong. The interpretation of the Basic Law by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress is for helping Hong Kong solve problems during its implementation of the law and is sure to benefit Hong Kong's prosperity and the well-being of Hong Kong citizens.

A series of activities have been held by the HKSAR government to mark the promulgation of the Basic Law, including national flag- rasing ceremony, carnivals and exhibitions. In addition, some departments will also promote the Basic Law through TV programs, symposia and publications.

The Basic Law was adopted on April 4, 1990 at the Seventh National People's Congress of China. It came into effect on July 1, 1997.