Hong Kong's liaison chief Luo Huining addresses the media on Jan 6, 2020. (PARKER ZHENG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG - The central government’s liaison chief in Hong Kong called on patriotic groups in the city to take on more responsibility and make greater contributions to controlling the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. 

READ MORE: Liaison chief: Mainland fully supports HK's fight against virus

Luo Huining, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, made the remarks at a meeting with representatives of patriotic groups on Friday. Among the attendees were members of Friends of Hong Kong Association, Hong Kong CPPCC (Provincial) Members Association, Federation of Hong Kong Community Organisations, and Hong Kong Fukien Athletic Club.

Issues of common concern, such as the control of pneumonia outbreak in Hong Kong, the development of the patriotic groups and the promotion of the principle of "one country, two systems" were discussed at the meeting.

Luo expressed appreciation for their efforts, adding that he hoped they would remain united. 

ALSO READ: HK politicians hail Luo's ‘inspiring’ letter to defeat virus

He also urged the groups to unite people from all walks of life to support Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and the SAR government in law-based governance. 

The groups' leaders responded positively to Luo’s call.