U.S. and Hong Kong (1985-1997)

Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright - Remarks at American Consulate in Hong Kong (7/1/1997)

Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright
Remarks at the American Consulate General to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China
Hong Kong, July 1, 1997
As released by the Office of the Spokesman in Hong Kong
U.S. Department of State

Good morning everybody, Consul General Boucher, distinguished former Consul General Mr. Richard Mueller, members of the mission staff, guests and friends. I am delighted to see everybody here without any hand-over hangovers. And I am pleased to have the opportunity this morning to rededicate this magnificent facility as the American Consulate in Hong Kong, or more accurately, as of nine hours ago, the U.S. Consulate General to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.

Although Hong Kong awoke this morning under a changed flag, America's interests here have not changed. Working with new Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa and with Chief Secretary Anson Chan, we will continue to express our deep and abiding interest in the freedom and well-being of the people of Hong Kong. We will continue to seek the kind of close cooperation on law enforcement that has led to the extradition from Hong Kong to the United States of more than five dozen drug traffickers and other fugitives since 1991. We will continue to encourage an open and law-based investment climate for America's largest overseas business community. We will continue to seek routine and regular port visits of U.S. Navy vessels. We will continue to engage Hong Kong in vigorous programs of social, cultural and academic exchanges.

Although the skies are filled, in addition to rain, with officials and journalists leaving Hong Kong in the wake of last night's historic event, the world will be watching closely everything that happens here. For China, the question will be whether it matches its understandable pride at Hong Kong's return with faithful implementation of its commitments to the region's autonomy and way of life. For the people of Hong Kong, the challenge will be to work together in a broad and democratic way to maintain the integrity of their civic institutions, preserve their open and thriving economy, conduct free and fair elections, and ensure continued primacy of the rule of law and democratic practices.

Let me add that after my meetings during the past few days, I have no doubt of the determination of the people of Hong Kong to maintain that unique combination of good governance and dynamic energy that has helped to produce the magic of Hong Kong. I hope very much that the Hong Kong of today is the same as the Hong Kong of yesterday. The purpose that we have here is to express, in every way we can, America's commitment to the new Hong Kong and our fervent hope that it will remain forever what it has already become: proud, prosperous, respected and free.

Thank you very much.

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