British Prime Minister Tony Blair has written to Tung Chee Hwa to wish him the best for the future, following his request for resignation from the post of Hong Kong Chief Executive was approved by the State Council Saturday.

According to a press release issued by the British Consulate-General in Hong Kong, the British Prime Minister described Tung as playing "an historic role as the first Chief Executive of the HongKong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)."

Blair said that "We have enjoyed close and productive working relations with your administration in taking forward our commitments under the Sino-British Joint Declaration."

He also noted some of the challenges faced by Hong Kong during the past eight years, such as SARS and the Asian financial crisis, saying "I am pleased to see that once again Hon Kong is now prospering and thriving."

Editor: Olivia