Hong Kong's Chief Executive-elect Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor discussed preparations for cabinet appointments with senior officials in Beijing on Monday, ahead of her formal appointment by China's central government.
She met with Wang Guangya, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, on Monday morning and is also expected to meet Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), China's top legislature.
Lam, who won the election to become the fourth chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on March 26 with 777 of 1,163 valid votes, arrived in Beijing on Sunday evening and will return to Hong Kong on Wednesday.
After serving in the government for more than 36 years, the veteran civil servant will receive her formal appointment to Hong Kong's top job from Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday. She will also meet President Xi Jinping and report to the state leaders over her planned governing direction.
The State Council decided to appoint Lam as the next chief executive of the HKSAR at a meeting presided over by Premier Li on March 31.
Li, who signed a State Council decree on the appointment, said the election result showed that Hong Kong society has extensive recognition, trust and expectations for Lam.
The central government will continue to fully and accurately implement the principle of "one country, two systems," "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong" with a high degree of autonomy, and will act strictly in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law to ensure that the principle of "one country, two systems" is steadfastly applied in Hong Kong without bending or distortion, Li stressed.
The premier vowed the central government's full support for the chief executive and the SAR government in their administration of Hong Kong in accordance with the law, developing the economy, improving the people's quality of life, advancing democracy and promoting harmony.
Li expressed his belief that Lam, after taking office, will unite and lead the SAR government and people from all walks of life in Hong Kong to maintain its long-term prosperity and stability and create a brighter future.
During a recent interview with CGTN and Xinhua, Lam pledged to be an "effective bridge" between Hong Kong and the central government.
The former chief secretary, who will turn 60 next month, will succeed incumbent Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying on July 1 and become the first female leader of Hong Kong.
