President Hu Jintao on Saturday encouraged Hong Kong to keep making innovations and adapting to changes in a flexible way while always putting the overall interests of the country and Hong Kong first.

Hu made the remarks at a welcome dinner for him hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government Saturday evening.

With Victoria Harbor brilliantly lit up and filled with a festive mood, the city is celebrating the 15th anniversary of its return to the motherland.

Hu, who came five years ago to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, came here Friday to join in the 15th anniversary celebration as well as to witness the inauguration of Hong Kong’s fourth government, scheduled for Sunday.

Addressing the hundreds of dinner attendants from many sectors, Hu, on his third trip to Hong Kong, said he always gets a fresh impression of the city’s strong dynamics and unique charm every time he visits.

What has happened shows that “one country, two systems” is the right policy for Hong Kong and it is a policy full of vitality, said Hu.

Hong Kong has experienced many trials and tribulations over the past 15 years, and its achievements have not come easily, according to Hu.

The city, one of the world’s leading metropolises, withstood the spreading Asia and world financial crises, and still stands as the world’s top shipping, financing and trade center.

Hu urged the city to keep making innovations and adapting to changes in a flexible way.

"Hong Kong should follow closely the changes in the external environment, go along with the trend of economic globalization and the global adjustment of industrial structure, seize opportunities and respond accordingly,” Hu said.

Hu also asked Hong Kong to make good use of the two markets and resources of both the mainland and the world, and strengthen Hong Kong’s existing advantages.

Hu also reminded the city to carry forward the spirit of standing together in the face of difficulties. “Hong Kong compatriots should always put the overall interests of the country and Hong Kong first, love their common home and work in unity to tackle challenges,” Hu said, adding that there should be more cooperation, consultation and inclusiveness.

Stressing that Hong Kong has the strong support of the Central Government, the firm backing of the mainland and the good foundation that has been built over the past 15 years, Hu said Leung Chun-ying, the new chief executive, and the new SAR government will unite all sectors of society to turn Hong Kong into an international metropolis with economic prosperity, political structural democracy, social harmony, as well as closer links with the mainland and more extensive connections with the world.