HK compatriots capable of administering HK well: Xi

President Xi Jinping said Friday Hong Kong people are capable of administering the metropolis well and building a better Hong Kong.

Addressing a welcome dinner hosted by the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Xi said Hong Kong had transformed itself from an unknown fishing village to a world-renowned modern metropolis, thanks to the hard work of several generations of its people.

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech during a welcome banquet in Hong Kong Friday, June 30, 2017. Xi landed in Hong Kong Thursday to mark the 20th anniversary of Beijing taking control of the former British colony and to inaugurate new Chief Executive Carrie Lam on July 1. [Photo: AP/Dale de la Rey]

The key to Hong Kong's success lies in its people's love of the country and Hong Kong, and their perseverance, pursuit of excellence and adaptability, Xi said.

The president went on to commend Hong Kong people's participation in and significant contribution to the country's reform, opening up and modernization drive.

"The Central Government and people across the country have never forgotten what you have done," Xi said.

"The people of Hong Kong have the ability and wisdom to administer Hong Kong well and achieve greater development and progress in Hong Kong," he said. "I am sure you will continue to do all you can for the development of the country and distinguish yourselves on the world stage."

Xi arrived in Hong Kong Thursday for a three-day trip to attend celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inauguration of the fifth-term government of the HKSAR. Inspection of the HKSAR is also on his schedule.