Working Relationship of the HKSARG with the MFA Office

Article 13 of the Basic Law of the HKSAR provides that:

— The CPG shall be responsible for the foreign affairs relating to the HKSAR.
— The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC shall establish an office in Hong Kong to deal with foreign affairs.
— The CPG authorises the HKSAR to conduct relevant external affairs on its own in accordance with the Basic Law.

    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 various departments of 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:

(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);
(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
(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 handled by 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.