By LIANG TAO, CRI Correspondent

Hong Kong and Beijing have signed a document on the overall arrangements for the equestrian events for the 29th Olympic Games and the 13th Paralympic Games.

Hong Kong Home Affairs Bureau says the document sets the basis for mutual collaboration.

The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games Vice-President Liu Jingmin and Secretary for Home Affairs Patrick Ho, who is also the vice chairman of the BOCOG Equestrian Committee, signed the document in Beijing Thursday.

When BOCOG signed the Host City Contract with the International Olympic Committee in Moscow in July, 2001, it had not been decided that the 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events would be relocated to Hong Kong.

There was a need for a document that outlined the arrangements for the equestrian events between BOCOG and Hong Kong after the relocation decision was made.

The arrangements include the provision of an internationally recognized equine quarantine protocol, a safe and well-ordered society, a system that facilitates smooth entry to and departure out of Hong Kong, all aimed at ensuring a smooth running of equestrian events.

The document outlines arrangements made, for such matters as security, immigration, and transport.
 
Liang Tao, CRI News, Hong Kong