SHA on visit of Delegation of China's First Manned Space Mission

Tuesday, October 28, 2003

Following is the speech of the Secretary for Home Affairs, Dr Patrick Ho, on the visit of the Delegation of China's First Manned Space Mission today (October 28):

I must apologise for cancelling the press conference this afternoon and defer it until now because the programme was not in shape yet. Now we are ready.

The success of China's first manned space mission has given pride to all Chinese people around the world. We all shared the joy and excitement when the Shenshou 5 spaceship was launched into orbit and when the re-entry capsule carrying China's first astronaut Yang Liwei landed safely. The people of Hong Kong earnestly hope that Mr Yang can visit Hong Kong as soon as possible.

The Chief Executive in his meeting with President Hu Jintao last week extended an invitation for Mr Yang to visit Hong Kong. The Central Government responded quickly and positively. I went to Beijing last Thursday to discuss with the aerospace program authorities the dates and details of the delegation's visit to the territory.

While we are still finalising details of the visit programme for the Delegation of China's First Manned Space Mission, efforts will be made to provide more opportunities for various sectors to have direct contact with members of the delegation. We hope that as a result the visit, the general public, students, youngsters and the science sectors in Hong Kong will have a deeper understanding and better knowledge of the development of aerospace programme in our country.

Apart from programmes organised by the Government, many private organisations are also keen to welcome the delegation. Quite a number of organisations and individuals have expressed an interest to sponsor some of the programmes.

Now I want to talk about the visit programme briefly.

The delegation comprises a total of 26 members, led by the Deputy Commander Chief of the China Manned Space Engineering Headquarters, Mr Hu Shixiang.

They will arrive on Friday, October 31 at about 6 pm at the Hong Kong International Airport. The delegation will go direct to Government House to be received by the Chief Executive and to attend a welcoming dinner there.

On Saturday, November 1 the delegation will attend the opening of the Exhibition on China's First Manned Space Mission at the Science Museum in Tsim Sha Tsui. Exhibits include the re-entry capsule, the astronaut's space suit and food, and the parachute. Also on display will be a 1:4 model of the carrier rocket and the spaceship. The exhibition will last until November 4.

On Saturday (November 1) from 4 pm to 5.30 pm a big welcoming gathering will be organised by community groups at the Hong Kong Stadium. The event has received support from over 30 organisations.

Specialists of the delegation, including Mr Yang, will give talks on the development of China's aerospace programme between 10 am and 12 noon in the City Hall Concert Hall on Monday, November 3.

Members of the delegation will leave Hong Kong for Macau on November 5 morning to continue their visit.

You have a programme of the delegation's open events. The Information Services Department (ISD) is in charge of the press arrangements. We will endeavour to assist the news media in covering the activities of the delegation daily. ISD will announce the arrangements once finalised.

Finally, I wish to appeal to the people of Hong Kong and various organisations to join hands in an effort to deliver the best hospitality to our distinguished guests and let them have a good impression of Hong Kong at the end of their visit.