Donald Tsang Yam-kuen took his oath of office as Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) before Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao at 9:00 AM Friday in Beijing.

The ceremony was presided over by Hua Jianmin, state councilor and secretary-general of the State Council, in the Hong Kong hall of the Great Hall of the People. The Chinese national anthem resounded in the background. Hua read out State Council Decree No. 437, which formally appoints Tsang Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR.

Premier Wen presented the letter of appointment from the Central Government to Tsang.

Wen then offered Tsang his congratulations, and recited the old Chinese saying, "The task is arduous and the road ahead is long" as encouragement. He expressed the hope that Tsang would live up to the expectations and hopes of the mainland and the Hong Kong people.

Wen added that he deeply believed Tsang would earnestly implement the Basic Law of Hong Kong and lead the SAR government and the Hong Kong people to increased prosperity and stability.

Tsang showed his appreciation for the appointment by saying that it was an honor to take the post of Chief Executive, which gives him an opportunity to better serve the Hong Kong people and the mainland.

He said he will spare no efforts in working towards Hong Kong's bright future and the happiness of the Hong Kong people.

Also present at the ceremony were Vice Premier Wu Yi, State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan and Liao Hui, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council.

Elsie Leung Oi-sie, Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong government, Stephen Lam Sui-lung, secretary for Constitutional Affairs of the Hong Kong government, as well as Tsang's wife, Salina Tsang Pow Siu-mei, were also in attendance.

(Xinhua News Agency June 24, 2005)