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Article 13 of the Basic Law of the HKSAR provides that:
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The CPG shall be responsible for the foreign affairs relating to
the HKSAR. |
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC shall establish an office
in Hong Kong to deal with foreign affairs. |
The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the HKSAR (MFA Office) was established by
the CPG to deal with foreign affairs relating to the HKSAR. Since July
1, 1997, the HKSAR Government has established effective communication
channels with the MFA Office in handling the external affairs of the HKSAR,
working in strict accordance with the Basic Law. The HKSAR Government
liaises closely with the MFA Office in the following areas:
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(a) |
Participation in international organisations and conferences —
where necessary, the approval of the CPG will be sought in accordance
with the Basic Law. For instance, the CPG's approval is required
if the HKSAR wishes to participate in an international organisation
or conference limited to states (BL 152); |
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(b) |
negotiation and conclusion of international agreements with foreign
states and regions — where necessary, the CPG's authorisation
will be obtained in accordance with the relevant provisions of the
Basic Law. For example, the CPG's specific authorisation is required
for the negotiation and conclusion of Air Services Agreements with
foreign states (BL 133); and |
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(c) |
matters relating to the establishment of consular missions in the
HKSAR — the establishment of foreign consular and other official
or semi-official missions is a matter for the MFA Office (BL 157).
The HKSAR Government is responsible for the day-to-day management
of the consular corps, such as the issue of consular identity cards,
actual provision of privileges and immunities and ensuring the security
of consular premises. |
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