State leaders have urged Hong Kong Chief Executive (CE) Donald Tsang to commit himself fully to the interests of Hong Kong people, not only during his next term, but for the rest of his life.

They also praised Tsang's election manifesto yesterday when formally appointing him as CE of the Hong Kong SAR.

President Hu Jintao told Tsang that the CE and the SAR government should shoulder heavy and long-term responsibilities, as the following five years were crucial to the city's development.

He urged Tsang to focus on improving economic development and public livelihood, developing democracy in a gradual manner, and protecting the prosperity, stability and social harmony of Hong Kong.

"These are the common wishes and fundamental interests of all people and sectors in Hong Kong," Hu said.

Hu expressed confidence in Tsang's leadership and reiterated that the central government will support the governance of the SAR in accordance with the law.

"I am confident you will be able to lead the SAR government and all sectors of Hong Kong to fully implement the 'one country, two systems' principle and the Basic Law during his term. I believe Hong Kong people will be united in a common cause and determined to make improvements," he said.

Hu said Tsang's work has been widely recognized by the public and this was evident in his landslide victory in last month's election.

Presenting the formal book of appointment to Tsang at Zhongnanhai, Premier Wen Jiabao cited a verse of a classical philosophy to urge the CE to work closely with all sectors for a better future and greater stability.

The verse says: "The scholar must not be without scope and persistence, for his responsibility is weighty and his way is long. Perfect virtue is the burden, which he considers it is his to sustain: is it not weighty? Only after its death does it end: is it not long?"

Wen told Tsang: "It means that it is a huge responsibility to work for the welfare and interest of Hong Kong people. You have to fully devote yourself to the prosperity, stability and harmony of Hong Kong until the last moment of your life."

The premier expressed his appreciation of Tsang's election manifesto, which focuses on improving living standards, pursuing social harmony and promoting democracy.

"These three pledges do not only represent your missions as the CE, but also your policy agenda and the heavy responsibilities you will face in the future. I am confident that you will be able to unite all Hong Kong people for these missions," Wen said.

He added that the central government would take measures to boost cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong in various fields.

In response, Tsang pledged to honor the trust placed in him by the central government and the Hong Kong people by faithfully fulfilling his duties.

He said he was thankful to the support of the central government in tackling the problems faced by the SAR in the past, and invited President Hu to visit Hong Kong to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the SAR.

Source: China Daily