Full text of speech by President Hu Jintao at welcoming dinner in HK

HONG KONG, June 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao on Saturday delivered a speech at the welcoming dinner hosted by the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

The following is the full text of his speech:

Toast by President Hu Jintao

Of the People's Republic of China

At Welcoming Dinner Hosted by

The Government of The Hong Kong

Special Administrative Region

30 June 2012

Fellow Compatriots,Dear Friends,

Tonight, the Victoria Harbor is brilliantly lit up and filled with a festive atmosphere. It gives me great pleasure to join you on such a joyful occasion to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the embrace of the motherland. On behalf of the Central Government and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups, I wish to extend sincere greetings and best wishes to you and, through you, to all the people of Hong Kong.

This is my third visit to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR). Every time I come, I get a fresh impression of the city's strong dynamism and unique charm. Under the guidance of the principle of "one country, two systems", Hong Kong has enjoyed steady economic growth, rising living standards, orderly progress in democracy, and social harmony and stability. It has maintained its status as an international financial, trade and shipping center. It has developed closer links with the mainland and broader contacts with the world. What has happened shows that "one country, two systems" is the right policy for Hong Kong and it is a policy full of vitality. It also shows that Hong Kong compatriots have the wisdom and capability to manage, build and develop Hong Kong well.