Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao on Thursday met with a visiting delegation of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government led by Tang Kwok-wai, Secretary for the Civil Service.

Li said the "one country, two systems" principle has been successfully implemented in Hong Kong since its return to the motherland 16 years ago.

He said the central government has been firmly supporting Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying to lead the new HKSAR government in its governance according to the law, and is fully confident of Hong Kong's development prospects.

The vice president pointed out that Hong Kong is currently facing a pressing task to develop the economy, improve people's livelihoods and promote democracy and social harmony.

He emphasized that Hong Kong's civil servants are an important strength in implementing the principles of "one country, two systems" and "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong", upholding the Basic Law and safeguarding the long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong's civil servants should carefully study the "one country, two systems" principle, uphold the authority of the Basic Law and firmly support the Chief Executive and leading officials in governance, Li noted.

The vice president said the central authorities will support Hong Kong to push constitutional development in conformity with the Basic Law and relevant resolutions of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

"The discussions concerned should be carried out rationally on the track of the rule of law," he stressed.

Li called for a clear understanding of the prime trends in the development of the nation and Hong Kong, in a bid to promote cooperation between the mainland and Hong Kong, create the future for the HKSAR and work for the wellbeing of the people.

Tang's delegation is composed of permanent secretaries and heads of government agencies attending a workshop on state affairs.