Hong Kong Secretary of Security Ambrose Lee and European Union (EU) Commissioner for Justice and Home Affairs Antonio Vitorino opened the first meeting of the Joint EU-Hong Kong Readmission Committee in Brussels yesterday.

According to a government press release, the meeting was convened to discuss details on the implementation of an agreement between the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China and the European Union on the readmission of persons residing without authorization.

The readmission agreement was signed in November 2002, and came into effect on March 1, 2004. It is the first readmission agreement of its kind entered into by the EU.

"The agreement demonstrates the determination of both sides to tackle illegal immigration, and opens the door to greater co-operation between Hong Kong and the EU in immigration matters," Lee said in his address to the committee.

"The EU is an important partner of the HKSAR. Hong Kong residents enjoy visa-free visits to EU member states, and likewise EU nationals can visit Hong Kong without a visa. We have long traditions of co-operation in many areas, such as trade, security as well as training and sharing of experiences. We attach great importance to enhancing relations with the EU, and we value exchanges at all levels between the two sides," Lee said.

Vitorino said the recent entry into force of the EU-Hong Kong readmission agreement was an important milestone which would not only lead to closer bilateral co-operation but would also give a significant push to the EU's efforts to develop a common policy on illegal immigration.

"We are very grateful to our partners and friends from Hong Kong for their high degree of confidence and willingness to co-operate in this important policy."

Earlier yesterday, Lee and Vitorino discussed issues on international co-operation against terrorism and other cross-border crimes, and explored opportunities for further exchanges in other areas of common interest.

(China Daily September 21, 2004)