A week-long study tour program for teachers and students from Yunnan to Hong Kong concluded with a ceremony at the Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Saturday.

Hosted by the office, the event brought together 34 outstanding students and teachers from Jinping and Malipo counties in Southwest China's Yunnan province, marking a successful week of mutual learning and friendship-building between the young people from Yunnan and Hong Kong.

During the ceremony, Hua You, deputy commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, emphasized three key takeaways for students from the event.

First, he encouraged them to expand their horizons and gain knowledge, which is the main goal of the tour and is essential for personal growth. Second, he urged them to be confident in their abilities and to work steadily towards future success.

Third, he highlighted the importance of patriotism and the desire to serve the country. Having witnessed Hong Kong's prosperity and stability under the "one country, two systems" framework, Hua believes students now understand that a strong nation is crucial for personal development. He encouraged them to align their personal goals with the nation's progress, wherever their future paths may lead.

Hua hopes that students will not only remember Hong Kong's prosperity but also embrace the open, inclusive, and striving spirit that is a vital part of Chinese culture. He encouraged students to turn the insights gained from this trip into motivation for the future, to remain curious and eager to learn, and to apply their knowledge in practical settings.

The tour reflects the Chinese Foreign Ministry's commitment to supporting the growth of youth in ethnic minority areas and demonstrates their focus on diplomacy for the people and serving the country's development, he added.

Hong Kong's Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs Alice Mak Mei-kuen expressed her pleasure in welcoming students to Hong Kong for the exchange tour. The program included visits to the Chinese University of Hong Kong and participation in various lectures, offering students a valuable opportunity to experience the local culture and enhance their understanding of the "one country, two systems" principle.

Emphasizing the importance of youth exchanges, the SAR government remains committed to promoting such mutual visits. Mak encouraged students to apply their acquired knowledge towards the advancement of their hometowns and the nation.

China Daily's Edmond Tang took the photos on Saturday.