Chinese mainland to gift two pandas to HK

(ECNS) -- The Chinese mainland has agreed to gift another pair of giant pandas to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region(HKSAR), chief executive John Lee announced on Monday.

“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the Central Government for gifting another pair of giant pandas to the HKSAR, which fully demonstrates its care and support for our city,” said the chief executive.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, which makes this gift even more special, Lee said, adding that the HKSAR government will endeavour to make good preparations to welcome the giant pandas.

“I would also like to thank the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council (HKMAO) and the National Forestry and Grassland Administration (NFGA) for the assistance they rendered on the matter,” he said.

The chief executive said "the two pairs of giant pandas given by the Central Government in the past have accompanied generations of Hong Kong people, which is the collective memory of all. The new pair of giant pandas will become close 'family members' of Hong Kong people, bringing us laughter and joy."

The HKSAR has been in liaison with the HKMAO and the NFGA to discuss the arrival of the giant pandas. The HKSAR will immediately get on with preparatory work to ensure that the Hong Kong Ocean Park is fully geared up in taking care of the giant pandas.

"The government is confident that the preparatory work will be completed smoothly. Details of the arrangements for welcoming the giant pandas to Hong Kong will be announced in due course,"a spokesperson for the HRSAR government said.