HONG KONG - Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung said Thursday the government welcomes and encourages people to express their views on constitutional reform, and will adopt an open attitude in listening to people's views.

Speaking to reporters, Leung said the government's consultation document sets out key issues for public comment, under the framework of the Basic Law and the National People's Congress Standing Committee interpretations and decisions.

He said the government hopes to provide a foundation for people to discuss various issues openly, including the requirement that the Chief Executive loves the country and loves Hong Kong.

The government encourages people to express their views because it is an important step in constitutional development, by which the ultimate goal of universal suffrage can be achieved, he said.

The Hong Kong government on Wednesday officially kicked off public consultation for a constitutional reform which aims to realize the election of the next chief executive by universal suffrage in 2017.

The consultation period will last for five months.