The Delegation of Shenzhou-6 Manned Space Flight Mission will arrive in Hong Kong on Sunday for a three-day visit and academic exchange at the invitation of the Chief Executive, Donald Tsang.

According to a government press release on Wednesday, Hu Shixiang, deputy Commander-in-Chief of China's Manned Space Flight Program, the 30-strong delegation includes astronauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng.

Tsang said he was very grateful to the central government for accepting his invitation and arranging the visit of the delegation to Hong Kong within such a short period.

He said that during the three-day visit, the two astronauts and scientists would share with the Hong Kong community, particularly the young, the hard work and sacrifices leading to their success.

At the same time, it is hoped that citizens will share the pride brought about by the rapid development of aerospace technology of their motherland.

"The itinerary of the visit will focus on the exchange of knowledge and experience in the academic, scientific research and educational fields targeting mainly at students, academia and athletes.

"The aim is to enhance among our youths the understanding of our country's aerospace technology development and enable them to learn from the scientists and astronauts the spirit of perseverance," he said.

The delegation will arrive in Hong Kong on Sunday morning from Beijing. In the afternoon, a variety show organized by the Home Affairs Department and sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club will be held at the Hong Kong Stadium to welcome the astronauts and the delegation.

The delegation will attend a dinner hosted by the HKSAR government at government House, where they will meet with community leaders from various sectors.

According to the press release, on Monday morning, the delegation will attend a forum at the Chinese University of Hong Kong jointly organized by the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Institute of Education and Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

The astronauts and scientists will exchange views with the academicians and students on the space expedition, training and the latest development in manned space flight technology.

Members of the delegation will then visit the Hong Kong Science Park for a first-hand look at the latest developments in applied science and will tour an integrated circuits design development and support center and a technology company.

In the evening, members of the delegation will join in the festive spirit at Hong Kong WinterFest organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board in Statue Square.

On Nov. 29, the delegation will attend a morning forum at the Hong Kong Space Museum in Tsim Sha Tsui. The forum, organized by the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, will give the visitors an opportunity to talk to young professionals.

In the afternoon, they will share their experience in space exploration and training for the space mission with primary and secondary school students from 120 schools at a seminar at Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Wan Chai.

Later, the delegation will visit the Tseung Kwan O Indoor Games Hall to meet elite athletes, disabled athletes, young athletes who are just starting their careers and representatives of district sports organizations to exchange views on training experience.

The delegation will leave for Macao by ferry from the Hong Kong Macao Ferry Terminal in Sheung Wan on Wednesday morning.

Source: Xinhua