Press Release - April 29, 2003

Premier Wen Jiabao of the People�s Republic of China said he is delighted to see that the atypical pneumonia situation in Hong Kong has stabilised.

In Bangkok for the Special ASEAN-China Leaders Meeting on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, Mr Wen said under the leadership of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and with the unity of the community, the battle against the virus can be won.

He sent his warm regards to atypical pneumonia patients in Hong Kong and expressed his condolences to its victims.

Mr Wen said the Central People's Government will give full support and provide all its resources to help Hong Kong to contain the virus spread.

Medical materials and healthcare workers could be provided if necessary, he said, without expense to Hong Kong.

He said we should be rational and that support and unity is more important in times of difficulty. We will have a better understanding on the importance of this after the crisis, he added.

Saying that his participation in Bangkok clearly indicated that the Mainland is willing to face reality and the world, Mr Wen urged people to trust the Mainland government and its people.

Mr Wen said he hopes regional leaders will co-operate in the fight against atypical pneumonia, and said he will exchange experiences with leaders in a candid, responsible and co-operative manner.

For updated information and latest news on respiratory tract infections, please visit the special home page on the subject at www.info.gov.hk/info/infection-e.htm, and the HKSAR Department of Health website at www.info.gov.hk/dh/ap.htm as well as the e-bulletin at www.news.gov.hk/en/index.shtml.