HONG KONG -- Acting Commissioner of the Chinese foreign ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Yang Yirui said on Tuesday that in the midst of crisis, Hong Kong forged a new path and ushered in a historic transition from chaos to governance and back to the right track in 2020.

Yang made the statement in his speech in a virtual Spring reception held by the commissioner's office. He said that China's internal affairs should not be interfered in, China's sovereign security should not be violated, and Hong Kong's prosperity and stability should not be destroyed.

When reviewing 2020, Yang said the office launched dialogues with foreign consulates in Hong Kong, chambers of commerce and the media to improve mutual trust and dispel concerns in a bid to expand win-win cooperation and reinforce the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.

The office fully supported Hong Kong in expanding overseas exchanges and cooperation, Yang said, citing efforts to help Hong Kong set up economic and trade offices overseas and assist Hong Kong businesses in joining industrial parks along the routes of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Yang said the office also helped Hong Kong participate in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Besides, the office worked with the HKSAR government to bring back home more than 2,000 Hong Kong residents stranded overseas due to the COVID-19 epidemic, Yang said.

Looking ahead, Yang said that "one country, two systems" has ushered into a new historical phase and Hong Kong will overcome the current dilemma and regain its glory with the support of the country and the joint efforts of Hong Kong compatriots.