Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) shakes hands with newly re-appointed Chief Executive Donald Tsang of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) during their meeting in Beijing April 9, 2007. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

Chinese President Hu Jintao told Hong Kong's newly re-appointed Chief Executive Donald Tsang on Monday that the central government will provide "all-out support" for his government.

President Hu met with Tsang after in Beijing he was sworn in as the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) by Premier Wen Jiabao in the morning.

Hu said the central government will continue to unswervingly uphold the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong" and a high degree of autonomy, act strictly in accordance with the Basic Law of the HKSAR and give all-out support for the HKSAR Chief Executive and the HKSAR government in governance according to law.

He said that Tsang's overwhelming victory in an election by Hong Kong's electoral college reflected the region's support for Tsang's work since he first became Chief Executive and his election platform.

Tsang served out the last two years of predecessor Tung Chee-hwa's term after he resigned due to ill health in June 2005.

"The upcoming five years is a very important period of time for the development of Hong Kong," Hu said. "Hong Kong has heavy tasks and a lot of work to do."

He said developing the economy, improving people's lives, gradually pushing forward democracy, and maintaining Hong Kong's prosperity and stability and social harmony are common wishes of Hong Kong people and also where the fundamental interests of Hong Kong people of various circles lie.

Hu expressed his confidence that the newly appointed Chief Executive will lead the HKSAR government and all circles in the region to work together for a better future of Hong Kong.

Tsang's appointment was confirmed by the central government in a ceremony at Zhongnanhai where he received his official credentials as Chief Executive.

Tsang said he appreciates the trust and support given to him by the central government and Hong Kong. He vowed to do his best to serve the government and the citizens of Hong Kong.

Vice President Zeng Qinghong, director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee Wang Gang, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council Liao Hui and other senior officials attended the meeting.

Editor: Yan