In recognition of the long-standing friendship and trust between the local Police and the Muslim community, Kowloon West Regional Commander Tang How-kong, Acting Yau Tsim District Commander Paul Lau and Yau Tsim District Police Community Relations Officer Lee Tak-chung were also invited to this auspicious function. Other distinguished guests included Consul-Generals of over 10 countries, including Kazakhstan, India, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as dignitaries from various Muslim organisations.

Mr Tang received an appreciative applause from the audience when he greeted his hosts in Arabic. He carried on his speech in English and spelt out the concerted efforts the Force made in recent years to support the Government's policy on promotion of racial harmony. To enhance interaction, trust and understanding between the Police and all sectors of the Non-ethnic Chinese (NEC) community, a three-pronged approach has been adopted. The measures being taken are, firstly, to raise officers' professional sensitivity and beef up support for their contacts with NEC; secondly, to actively engage the NEC community through police services and crime prevention measures; and, thirdly, to adopt partnership with other Government departments and non-governmental organisations to assist the minority groups in integrating into the local community without losing their cultural identities.

CP stressed the importance of the roles being played by Police Community Relations Offices in engaging the NEC communities, and highlighted the initiatives that are being undertaken in Districts in accordance with local needs. Finally, he thanked Muslim community leaders and organisations for their continuous support to the Police and urged them to work together to ensure Hong Kong remains one of the safest and most stable societies in the world.

The Eid-Ul-Fitr celebration has offered the Force another opportunity to further strengthen communication with the Muslim community in Hong Kong.

The luncheon has further strengthened the relationship between the Force and the Muslim community