The Acting Chief Executive, Ms Chan Hoi Fan, today issued a letter of condolence on behalf of the Government regarding the death of former vice-premier of the State Council, Mr Qian Qichen.

In the letter, Ms Chan expressed her deepest sorrow at the death of Mr Qian, and extended utmost condolences to Mr Qian’s family in their time of great sadness.

Mr Qian had made profound contributions to the country’s affairs via the field of diplomacy, and had developed close relations with Macao and its people. Mr Qian took part in the negotiations for Macao’s return to the motherland and played an important role regarding the successful transfer of powers. Mr Qian’s death is a great loss.

Mr Qian, who was in charge of Hong Kong and Macao affairs for a long time, was a well-known figure in Macao for his man-of-the-people image. His name and his amiable personality will be always remembered, noted the Acting Chief Executive.