The central government firmly supports the social and economic development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), China's president said yesterday.

Hu Jintao reiterated the commitment during a meeting with HKSAR Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa.

Tung expressed his warm congratulations for the success of the motherland's first manned space flight.

Hu said it was a glorious reflection on all Chinese including Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan compatriots and overseas Chinese.

Hu said he is greatly pleased by the recovery of Hong Kong's economy and the improvement in its people's livelihoods.

The president said he is confident that Hong Kong residents, working in solidarity under the leadership of the HKSAR government, will overcome the temporary difficulties they face and make greater economic and social achievements.

Also yesterday, Hu held separate talks with Mexican President Vicente Fox and Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo.

Fox told Hu that the fast development of China is a force of stability in the region and brings huge opportunities for Mexico's own economic development.

Toledo said Peru will firmly stick to the one-China policy, adding it regards China as one of its best partners.

Hu said China is willing to promote overall relations with Mexico and Peru on the basis of equality and reciprocity.

In another development, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing yesterday held a meeting with US Secretary of State Colin Powell. It followed the meeting between Hu and US President George W. Bush on Sunday.

Li said China is willing to work with the United States to implement the consensus reached by the heads of the two countries and constantly enhance bilateral exchanges and co-operation in anti-terrorism, trade and culture.

Powell said trade ties are an important part of bilateral relations and the United States understands China's concerns.

Powell said he hopes the two nations can maintain dialogue with a more open and flexible attitude for the smooth development of bilateral trade links.

China is willing to conduct timely communication and co-ordination with all parties in relation to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's nuclear issue, Li said.

Powell thanked China for its positive stance on the Korean Peninsula and Iraq.

The United States is willing to enhance communication with all parties and continue to push for the Beijing six-party talks process, he added.

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