British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond headed on Friday for Hong Kong.

The visit comes as part of an East Asian tour during which he will attend the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Japan.

Hammond will meet with Chief Executive CY Leung where he will restate the UK’s commitment as co-signatory to the Joint Declaration and support for Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy, rights and freedoms, according to a statement published by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

In a meeting with the Chief Justice, the Foreign Secretary will emphasise Rule of Law as the cornerstone of ‘One Country, Two Systems’, and will highlight the strong links between our legal systems, the statement added.

"Hong Kong is of great importance to the UK and Britain’s longstanding commitment, as a co-signatory of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, is as strong as ever. Of course, the UK’s relationship with Hong Kong is not just based on history. It is innovative, forward looking and dynamic, with excellent prospects for the future, on which we will continue to build," Hammond said.

"Rule of Law is the cornerstone of an open and fair society. Hong Kong’s success is underpinned by its independent judiciary and respect for rights and freedoms. Although the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ model is generally working well in Hong Kong. With strong Rule of Law and a high degree of autonomy, Hong Kong continues to be a global hub for finance, business and legal services," Hammond asserted. 

Source: MENA