The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah, today (August 30) attended the China-Japan-South Korea Cultural Ministers' Meeting in Harbin as a member of the Chinese delegation and delivered a speech introducing the latest and major cultural developments of Hong Kong.
In his speech, Mr Lau said one of the prominent cultural events to be held next year will be the biennial Asia Cultural Co-operation Forum. He thanked China, Japan and South Korea for their past support and participation and invited cultural ministers and delegates of China, Japan and South Korea, as well as delegates of Culture Cities of East Asia and European Capitals of Culture in 2019, to attend the Forum in Hong Kong next year.
In addition, Mr Lau said the Home Affairs Bureau has signed 26 agreements on cultural co-operation to enhance collaboration and exchange with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism as well as provincial and municipal governments and departments. Last year, the "In Touch with Palace Museum" campaign was held in Hong Kong, while a thematic exhibition on Dunhuang culture is being held this year. In the coming year, the "Genesis and Spirit" series will be launched and a Hong Kong Week will be held in Shanghai, he added.
Looking ahead, Mr Lau said the Xiqu Centre in the West Kowloon Cultural District will open by the end of this year, while the Hong Kong Palace Museum and M+ will be completed in the coming years. The Hong Kong Museum of Art will open next year after renovation and expansion. Arts and cultural development will become more prosperous in Hong Kong, he said.
This evening, Mr Lau will attend a joint concert presented by China, Japan and South Korea. Tomorrow morning (August 31) he will take part in a research and study programme on culture and tourism held as part of the Meeting. Mr Lau will return to Hong Kong from Harbin via Shenzhen in the afternoon.
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