Chinese Foreign Minister in Hong Kong

The Chinese Foreign Minister, Qian Qichen, has made a short visit to Hong Kong -- his first since the handover of the former colony from Britain to China last July.

Mr Qian held talks with the Chief Executive, Tung Chee-Hwa, but officials did not say whether they discussed efforts to combat the bird flu virus.

Mr Qian expressed support for Hong Kong's economy, which he said was generally strong.

His comments came as share prices continued to fall amid regional economic turbulence.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service