On Saturday, Hong Kong was joined in its celebration of having returned to the motherland exactly ten years ago by Chinese President Hu Jintao.

China’s President Hu Jintao was full of praise for Hong Kong’s achievements over the past 10 years as he met with the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).

During a dinner banquet organized in his honor, President Jintao congratulated Hong Kong for overcoming great difficulties since the return to its motherland in 1997. He said that all Hong Kongers “should unite under the banner of loving Hong Kong and loving the country to defend the country's interests.”

“You have every reason to congratulate yourselves on what has been achieved in this new historical era,” the president said.

“We take great pride in your talent, energy and dedication that have made these achievements possible,” President Jintao said, referring to Hong Kong’s economic growth, progress towards social stability and the maintenance of its status as a free port.

This is President Jintao’s first visit to Hong Kong. He is expected to leave Sunday.

The anniversary of the former British colony's return to Chinese rule did not occur without incident, as thousands of protesters demanded more democracy for Hong Kong.