The SAR should seize the opportunity of the formulation of the nation's 13th Five-Year Plan to develop its economy and improve people's livelihood so as to lay a solid foundation for the successful implementation of the "One Country, Two Systems" principle and Hong Kong's long-term development, Xi said.

He extended his new year greetings to all Hong Kong citizens.

Top legislator Zhang Dejiang also attended the meeting.

In a separate meeting with Leung on Wednesday, Premier Li Keqiang pledged continued support to the HKSAR government.

Efforts should be made to maintain the stability of Hong Kong's economic and financial systems, guard against systematic risks so as to preserve and enhance the SAR's status as an important international financial hub, trade and navigation center, Li said.

The premier asked the SAR government to incorporate Hong Kong's development with the national development strategy.

The central government will take full consideration of Hong Kong's role and need when it is setting down related strategies and plans and support the region to play its unique role in the country's economic development and opening up, according to Li.

Leung said the SAR will enhance financial and sci-tech cooperation with the inland in the following year, develop together with the country, and seek fresh impetus for Hong Kong's future development.