HONG KONG - Chinese President Hu Jintao on Saturday met with a group of dignitaries from all walks of life, expressing sincere gratitude for their fruitful work and contribution to the development of both Hong Kong and the mainland on behalf of the central government.

"For a long time, dignitaries of the Hong Kong society have done much fruitful work for the smooth return of Hong Kong and the prosperity and stability in Hong Kong, and also have made important contribution to the reform, opening-up and modernization of the mainland," said Hu.

Since Hong Kong returned to the motherland 15 years ago, Hu said, the successful implementation of the "one country, two systems" policy has captured world attention.

"Facts have shown that the 'one country, two systems' principle is of great superiority and vitality," the president said.

There will be various sorts of risks and difficulties in the way ahead, he stressed, adding, "I believe that as long as we unite as one and work in concerted effort, we are sure to push forward various undertakings of Hong Kong to a new stage. Hong Kong surely will have an even bright tomorrow."

Hu arrived in the city Friday on a three-day trip for celebrating the 15th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to China and inaugurating the fourth-term government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.