Hu expresses confidence in new HKSAR gov't

HONG KONG - Chinese President Hu Jintao said Saturday the new government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) will be able to unite all sectors of society and lead them to turn the city into an international metropolis with "economic prosperity, political structural democracy and social harmony."

"With the strong support of the central government, the firm backing of the mainland and the good foundation that has been built over the past 15 years," the new HKSAR government led by Leung Chun-ying will have closer links with the mainland and more extensive connections with the world, he said while addressing the welcoming dinner hosted by the HKSAR government.

Hu arrived here Friday on a three-day trip for the 15th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China and the ceremony to inaugurate the fourth-term government of the HKSAR on Sunday.