The European Union (EU) on Thursday praised the successful implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle in Hong Kong, saying the mechanism has ensured Hong Kong's continued stability and prosperity.

"The principle of 'One Country, Two Systems' has generally worked well in practice and Hong Kong today remains a success," Germany, which holds the EU presidency, said in a statement issued on behalf of the 27-nation bloc.

The EU congratulated the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of its establishment, which falls on July 1.

"In the view of the European Union, applying the principle of ' One Country, Two Systems', as set out in the Sino-British Joint Declaration of 1984, has ensured the continued stability and prosperity of Hong Kong," the statement said.

"Furthermore, the European Union supports the respect for human rights and individual freedoms set out in the Joint Declaration and enshrined in the Basic Law of the HKSAR, particularly in relation to the autonomy and independence of the executive, legislature and judiciary of the HKSAR," it said.

The EU expressed confidence that the high degree of autonomy, guaranteed to Hong Kong in the Joint Declaration and enacted by the Basic Law, will be maintained in the future.

The relationship between the EU and Hong Kong has "continued to develop positively in all fields" since its return to China in 1997, the statement said, adding that the EU will continue to develop and deepen its cooperation and dialogue with Hong Kong.

Source: Xinhua