BEIJING - China's central government has appointed Cui Jianchun as the commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on Wednesday welcomed the appointment of Cui, following the State Council’s announcement.

Lee said he firmly believes that under the leadership of Cui -- a veteran diplomat with extensive experience in overseas assignments -- the Foreign Ministry’s Office of the Commissioner in the SAR will continue to work closely with the HKSAR government to foster the city’s external exchanges, enhance its international competitiveness and to tell good stories of Hong Kong and the principle of “one country, two systems”.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the HKSAR government will continue to cooperate with the overall strategy of the office and explain the latest developments in Hong Kong to countries and regions overseas

Lee said he appreciated the office’s efforts in helping Hong Kong’s young public officers to work at the United Nations, enabling them to give their best in the international arena and make greater contributions to the development of the country and Hong Kong.

He also thanked the office for rendering consular protection and appropriate assistance to Hong Kong residents who encounter problems and emergency situations overseas.

The HKSAR government will continue to cooperate with the overall strategy of the office and explain the latest developments in Hong Kong to countries and regions overseas, Lee said. 

Born in 1964, Cui had served as Chinese ambassador to Nigeria and holds a master’s degree in business administration. He had a long tenure with the China National Nuclear Corporation before joining the nation’s diplomatic service in 2011.

With Xinhua inputs