Chinese President Hu Jintao on Friday kicked off a three-day visit to Hong Kong to attend celebrations marking the 15th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and witness the inauguration of the fourth-term government of the Special Administrative Region (SAR).

Upon his arrival at the Hong Kong International Airport at noon, Hu said the central government is willing to work with the Hong Kong people from all walks of life to draw up the "valuable experiences" in carrying out the "one country, two systems" policy over the past 15 years for further development.

Hu expressed the hope to visit places "as many as possible" in order to learn about the city's latest development and progress and have a better understanding of the citizens' life and expectations.

Red carpet was rolled out and flag-waving children cheered when HKSAR Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen mounted the special plane to welcome Hu, who visited the city exactly five years ago for the tenth anniversary of the SAR's establishment.

Chief Executive-elect Leung Chun-ying and a group of high- ranking officials were also present at the airport to greet Hu.

Thumbs up to outgoing HK chief

Hours after the arrival, Hu held a meeting with Donald Tsang. He told the outgoing chief executive the central government fully recognized the work of him during his seven-year term of office.

Under the leadership of Donald Tsang, the HKSAR government has performed its duty in accordance with law and worked in a practical and enterprising manner, Hu said.

The HKSAR government has attained remarkable achievements, especially in coping with the impact brought by the international financial crisis, deepening exchanges and cooperation between Hong Kong and the mainland, and formulating and carrying out a series of policies to boost economic growth and improve the people's livelihood, said Hu.

Tsang thanked the central government for its care to Hong Kong and support to his work.

"It is with the central government's support that Hong Kong has weathered through the global financial crisis and consolidated its status as a global center for finance, trade and shipment," said Tsang, adding that the HKSAR government has been accumulating more governing experience.

Tsang said with the strong support of the central government and the hard work of the Hong Kong people, any difficulties could be overcome.

Hu attended a private dinner hosted by Tsang at the Government House after the meeting.