Category: MIL-OSI

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

Your Excellency President José Antonio Kast and the people of Chile,

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for the warm welcome extended to me and my delegation.

I am pleased to be making this visit to Chile – the first by a President of the Republic of Korea to Chile in eleven years.

Although geographically distant, the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Chile are long-standing friends with a special, cherished history, as well as neighbors across the Pacific.

In 1949, Chile became the first South American country to recognize the Republic of Korea. In 2004, Korea chose Chile as its first free trade agreement partner. Over the two decades since the FTA entered into force, bilateral trade has quadrupled, proving that this was the right strategic choice.

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1962, our two countries have built on our complementary strengths and expanded cooperation across a wide range of areas, including trade, investment, minerals, infrastructure, Antarctic research and culture. Also, as strategic partners with shared values such as democracy, we have worked closely together on the international stage.

At today’s summit, President Kast and I reaffirmed our shared commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations and discussed concrete ways to advance our cooperation.

Allow me to outline the key outcomes of today’s summit.

First, in pursuit of shared growth, our two countries agreed to further expand cooperation in trade and investment.

To this end, Korea and Chile agreed to convene the Korea-Chile Free Trade Commission for the first time in ten years. The Commission will review major trade and investment agendas and discuss ways to further enhance bilateral trade ties, including mutually beneficial improvements to the Korea-Chile FTA.

Building on the MOU on collaboration between KOTRA and InvestChile, signed today, our two countries also agreed to actively assist companies from both sides in identifying investment opportunities and fostering their exchanges in strategic areas such as critical minerals and energy.

We also held in-depth discussions on ways to deepen cooperation under major economic frameworks, including the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the Pacific Alliance (PA) and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA).

Second, our two countries agreed to actively pursue mutually beneficial, forward-looking cooperation in strategic fields such as critical minerals supply chains, infrastructure, public security and the defense industry.

Chile, a resource-rich nation, is the world’s largest producer of copper and possess the world’s largest lithium reserves, while Korea is a global leader in semiconductors, batteries and other advanced industries. Together, our two countries are natural and ideal partners when it comes to establishing critical minerals supply chains.

Building on the MOU on Mineral Resources Partnership, our two countries agreed to broaden cooperation across the entire minerals supply chain and to expand concrete forms of collaboration, including on information exchange, technological cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.

Over the past two decades, Korean companies have contributed significantly to infrastructure construction in Chile. Today, they are making steady progress on the Chacao Bridge—Chile’s flagship national project and South America’s first four lane suspension bridge. President Kast and I agreed that our respective governments will continue to closely support the project and actively work together to ensure it proceeds smoothly. In doing so, we hope the bridge becomes a landmark of our bilateral cooperation, enhancing the daily lives and economic prospects of the Chilean people

Both our countries share the firm conviction that the state’s primary duty is to protect and safeguard its people. To that end—and, specifically, to combat transnational crime and eradicate illegal maritime activities—we agreed to strengthen coordination between our respective police and coast guard authorities.

Furthermore, we concurred on the significance of establishing an institutional framework for deepening cooperation in the defense and shipbuilding sectors, and committed to continue relevant discussions.

Third, we agreed to further expand our cooperation in science and technology, along with people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

Together, our two countries have explored Antarctica, a shared heritage of humanity. We have also collaborated on astronomical research by observing the cosmos from the Atacama Desert in northern Chile.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to Chile for its active support of the Republic of Korea’s Antarctic station operations. I trust that Chile’s ongoing cooperation will enable our research personnel to carry out their mission s safely.

Our two countries share the view that it is important to further strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges—the bedrock of Korea-Chile relations— and we agreed to redouble our efforts in this regard.

I understand that Chileans’ strong interest in Hallyu (the Korean Wave) now extends beyond K-pop and K-dramas to include K-food and K-beauty, which are becoming trend for their high quality and competitiveness.

We will continue to provide full government support so that Chileans’ interest in our culture can lead to closer cultural affinities and be used as a basis for further expanding exchanges between our two countries.

Finally, our two countries agreed to cooperate closely for peace, stability and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula and in the international community.

During today’s summit, I asked for Chile’s unwavering support with resolving the North Korean nuclear issue and establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula.

President Kast expressed an intention to work together on safeguarding peace and stability in the region.

Moreover, our two countries agreed to cooperate closely on jointly hosting the 4th United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC4) in 2028 and ensuring the success of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, scheduled for 2032 in Chile.

Notably, the UNOC4 will be co-hosted by our two countries and is expected to serve as an important occasion for building international consensus among on maritime governance, including the conservation and sustainable use of the marine environment and resources.

Distinguished guests,

I hope that the Republic of Korea and the Republic of Chile, as true amigos, will join hands and together usher in a better future for both nations.

Once again, on behalf of the people of the Republic of Korea, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to President Kast for his warm hospitality.

I hope that President Kast and First Lady Adriasola will visit Korea in the near future, and that we will have the opportunity to extend the same warm hospitality to you in Korea.

Let us work together for the shared prosperity of the Republic of Korea and Chile and for our enduring friendship.

Thank you. Muchas Gracias!

Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

Your Excellency President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva,

I am pleased we could discuss the future of the Republic of Kora and Brazil.

As President Lula mentioned, we share a special experience. Just as he lost a finger on his left hand, I, too, was injured while working in a factory as a child and now live with a disability.

Yet that disability has never been an obstacle to my life or my service to others.

Rather, it has constantly reminded me of my responsibility to keep more people in mind and to help ensure that more people can lead better lives.

Tomorrow, when I visit São Paulo, I plan to visit the Metalworkers’ Union office where President Lula worked when he was younger. There, I hope to reflect once again on his dream—a dream rooted in his commitment to never forget the realities of working people and to work tirelessly to help everyone enjoy a better life.

I hope that President Lula and I will remain true to our roots as workers and continue working together to help more and more people live better lives.

I hope that the Republic of Korea and Brazil will continue moving forward together, building societies where all our people can live happier lives.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for the warm welcome extended to me and my delegation here at the beautiful Alvorada Palace.

As president Lula kindly mentioned, I am the fourth foreign leader to be welcomed here, following President Xi Jinping, Prime Minster Narendra Modi, and President Jacques Chirac. It is a great honor, and I am deeply grateful.

Following President Lula’s historic state visit to Korea last February, I am truly pleased to be making this state visit to Brazil – the first by a President of the Republic of Korea to Brazil in eleven years.

On behalf of the Korean people, I once again extend my sincere gratitude to President Lula and the people of Brazil for their warm hospitality.

Brazil, the world’s eleventh-largest economy and a key pillar of global supply chains and food security, is expanding its role and strategic importance in the international community.

At our summit today, President Lula and I declared that 2026 will mark the beginning of a new chapter forward in the Korea–Brazil Strategic Partnership. Building upon the Action Plan 2026-2029 adopted last February, we also issued a joint statement setting out a concrete vision for the future of our bilateral cooperation.

Today’s summit delivered meaningful outcomes across five areas. I would like to outline them one by one.

First, we agreed to reinforce our economic cooperation, which serves as a key driver of our bilateral relations.

The Joint Committee on Economic and Trade Cooperation – a high-level platform for advancing cooperation in industry and trade – was convened ahead of this summit. It will serve to help our two countries expand cooperation beyond trade and investment into future-oriented industries, including defense, aerospace, critical minerals and the digital economy.

The Memorandum of Understanding on Industrial Technology Cooperation, signed today, will provide an important foundation for enhancing the industrial competitiveness of both countries.

As President Lula noted, we agreed to establish a direct channel for advancing our bilateral relations, with the Vice President of Brazil and the Director of National Policy at the Presidential office of the Republic of Korea serving as key pillars. Through this channel, we will deepen cooperation and exchange across all areas, including the economy, industry, security, and culture, where there is considerable room for growth. We will, of course, also move forward with this process as swiftly as possible.

Second, we agreed to strengthen our strategic cooperation in resources and energy in order to diversify our supply chains.

As we all know, Brazil is home to some of the world’s largest critical minerals reserves. At today’s summit, President Lula and I shared the view that it is important to expand cooperation between our companies and institutions across the entire value chain of critical minerals supply chains.

Going forward, we agreed to further strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation based on the respective strengths of our two countries through follow-up consultations among relevant institutions, and to establishing a stable foundation for Korean companies to secure a reliable supply of raw minerals.

We also signed the MOU on Cooperation in the Field of Energy, which will help us broaden our collaboration in clean energy and the energy transition.

Third, we agreed to create new growth engines by expanding cooperation in advanced and emerging industries.

Our two countries agreed to launch a Defense Industry Joint Committee in the second half of this year. We also plan to pursue a General Security of Military Information Agreement, which will generate new opportunities for cooperation in defense and the defense industry.

Notably, the integration of components manufactured by Korean companies into Brazil’s C-390 military transport aircraft, which the Republic of Korea Air Force is scheduled to introduce in the second half of this year, stands as a symbolic example of defense industry cooperation between our two countries. We agreed to further advance such cooperation and explore new partnerships in future air mobility by leveraging our respective strengths.

Given Brazil’s leading position in Latin America’s defense industry, I would greatly appreciate your special interest and support, so that Korea’s diverse defense systems – whose outstanding performance has been proven – can be recognized in Brazil as well.

We also agreed to expand cooperation in aerospace and the space sector. The MOU on regarding Cooperation in the Peaceful Exploration and Use of Outer Space will streamline procedures for commercial launches and broaden our cooperation across the general space sector, including satellite data sharing and space exploration. It will play a key role in enabling our two countries to jointly open a new chapter in the future space era.

As President Lula said, I am confident that the September launch will be a success. I hope to be here in person, but if not, I will be sure to watch it via video.

Moreover, we agreed to work together to make cooperation with Korean semiconductor companies a model of mutually beneficial partnership – strengthening Brazil’s industrial competitiveness while providing Korean businesses with a stable production base.

Fourth, we agreed to further expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges, which works to connect the hearts of our two peoples closer.

Brazil has the largest Korean community in Latin America, and the number of Brazilian visitors to Korea reached an all-time high last year. To further promote cultural understanding and exchanges between our peoples, we have established institutional frameworks for cooperation across a wide range of fields.

The MOU on Cooperation in the Field of Film, the MOU on Cooperation in the Field of Sports and the Memorandum of Cooperation in the Field of Education, all signed today, will provide new momentum for expanding exchanges between our future generations.

Furthermore, in response to Brazil’s growing enthusiasm for K-culture, we agreed to work together to further promote K-beauty and K-food, while also contributing to improve the well-being and quality of life of the Brazilian people.

Fifth, we agreed to strengthen our strategic coordination in the international community.

We two leaders reaffirmed our shared understanding on major global issues, including international peace and security, peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia, and responses to artificial intelligence and climate change. Together with like-minded countries, we will strengthen cooperation both within and beyond our respective regions.

I once again shared with President Lula our government’s unwavering conviction that the surest and robust kind of security rests not on winning conflicts, but on fostering genuine peace. President Lula also expressed his full support for this vision.

Brazil has played a leading role in maintaining Latin America free of nuclear weapons and has consistently advocated for a world without nuclear arms and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. I once again express my gratitude to President Lula and the Brazilian government for their firm support reaffirmed at today’s summit, for our government’s efforts to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula and establish an enduring peace.

Finally, we reached a profound consensus that, especially in this era of growing trade uncertainty, a trade agreement between Korea and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) is a crucial task that can no longer be postponed.

I am confident that the Korea–MERCOSUR Trade Agreement will expand opportunities for Korean companies to enter MERCOSUR, while providing Brazilian businesses with new opportunities to access the Asian market, with Korea serving as a gateway.

This agreement will expand the scope of our cooperation to encompass not just trade but also diverse fields as high-tech industries, supply chains, and the digital and green economies. In doing so, it will serve as a solid foundation for our two countries to grow together as true strategic partners.

Distinguished guests,

Today’s cooperative efforts will create new opportunities for the young people of our two countries, open new markets for our businesses, and contribute to improving the lives of our peoples.

As they say here in Brazil, “A união faz a força.” Indeed, “Unity is strength.”

When our two countries combine our respective strengths, the vast ocean that separates us will no longer be a barrier. Instead, it will be a space of possibility where new opportunities are created.

Once again, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to President Lula and the people of Brazil for their warm hospitality and for the deep affection they have shown toward the people of the Republic of Korea.

Muito obrigado!

Thank you!

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest today (September 2) unveiled two flagship programmes, CENTRESTAGE and “Future Threads: Menswear’s New Waves Between Italy and Hong Kong”, showcasing the latest achievements in global fashion convergence and cross-cultural design exchanges, further highlighting Hong Kong’s position as an East-meets-West centre for international arts and cultural exchanges and an international fashion trading hub.
 
     Presented by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and spearheaded and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, this edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, for the first time, combines with CENTRESTAGE, the international fashion showcase and trade platform organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, with a view to generating stronger synergies. Meanwhile, Hong Kong Fashion Fest also continues its collaboration with Milan Fashion Week organiser Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (CNMI) in “Future Threads”.
 
     As Asia’s annual fashion extravaganza, CENTRESTAGE marks its 11th edition this year. The four-day event opens today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, officiating at the opening fashion show, CENTRESTAGE ELITES featuring the first solo show of Hong Kong multidisciplinary designer and visual artist Kit Wan, joined members of the Hong Kong fashion industry in witnessing the local designer take to both the local and international stage. The opening show presented over 30 new looks by Wan’s studio, and reflected the city’s vibrant cross-disciplinary fashion scene.
 
     Another flagship programme, “Future Thread”, organised by the Hong Kong Design Centre in partnership with CNMI, brings together creations by 10 emerging menswear designers from Italy and Hong Kong. The Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, attended the opening ceremony today. The exhibition runs from September 3 to 13 at Fashion Walk in Causeway Bay. Curated by CNMI’s International New Talent and Brands Ambassador, Ms Sara Sozzani Maino, the exhibition offers an exclusive preview of Spring/Summer 2027 menswear collections and explores how a new generation of designers from two geographies is reshaping contemporary menswear, presenting a distinguished intercultural menswear event.
 
     The third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest will feature a series of events at various landmarks across Hong Kong over the next two weeks. For details of the two flagship programmes, please refer to the official social media channels (www.instagram.com/centrestage_hktdc/ and www.instagram.com/hkdesigncentre/). For more information on the Hong Kong Fashion Fest, please visit the official website www.hongkongfashionfest.com and follow the official social media channels.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

Concerning certain premises offering customers a vaccine called “Wilms’ tumour 1” (WT1) and alleging that it could prevent multiple types of cancer, the Department of Health (DH) today (September 2) conducted another series of raids with the Police at multiple premises across Hong Kong. So far, over 50 vials of unregistered injectable pharmaceutical products were seized at two of those premises. During the operation, two individuals were arrested so far on suspicion of illegally possessing unregistered pharmaceutical products and Part 1 poisons. The DH will continue to crack down rigorously on the illegal sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products to safeguard public health.

“WT1 vaccine is not a registered pharmaceutical product in Hong Kong, and no person shall illegally sell or possess unregistered pharmaceutical products. Any advertisement claiming to provide this vaccine for cancer prevention is misleading and constitutes suspected fraud. Upon receiving reports, the DH has conducted multiple inspections at “HK Pacific Asia Medical Centre”, which is suspected of being involved, as well as other companies and related organisations that claimed on social media to offer this vaccine. Today, the DH, in conjunction with the Police, conducted another search of more than 10 premises, seizing over 50 vials of unregistered pharmaceutical products so far. The individuals involved are suspected of illegally possessing unregistered pharmaceutical products and Part 1 poisons, thereby committing offences under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138). So far, one male and one female were arrested on suspicion of illegally possessing unregistered pharmaceutical product and Part 1 poisons during the operation. The DH is also tracing the source of the products and has investigated the company suspected of supplying the WT1 reagent to the relevant institutions. The DH has notified the Hong Kong Customs to follow up on the case, as it may involve the illegal importation of unregistered pharmaceutical products into Hong Kong,” the Controller of Regulatory Affairs of the DH, Dr Fung Ying, said.

“The DH will continue to work closely with relevant departments to monitor the situation, gather intelligence, conduct in-depth investigations, and crack down on illegal activities involving the sale or possession of unregistered pharmaceutical products. The DH will take decisive enforcement action against such violations and will not tolerate lawbreakers abusing their professional authority or committing fraud under the pretext of cancer prevention or treatment, thereby endangering public health,” Dr Fung emphasised.

In addition, the DH will send letters to all doctors and private healthcare facilities in Hong Kong, reminding them that they must comply with the law in Hong Kong and must not administer illegal pharmaceutical products to patients. In response to allegations that a registered doctor and nurse provided the WT1 vaccine to clients, the DH has referred the cases to the Medical Council of Hong Kong and the Nursing Council of Hong Kong for follow-up.

Regarding advertisements, the DH considered that the content of advertisements by the premises in question is suspected of violating the Undesirable Medical Advertisements Ordinance (Cap. 231). The DH has earlier issued warning letters to the relevant parties in accordance with established procedures and mechanisms, requesting removal or deletion of the content of relevant advertisements. If it is found that the relevant advertisements have not been removed, the DH will initiate prosecution against the parties placing the advertisements. The DH has also notified the relevant law enforcement authorities in the Chinese Mainland regarding the publication of these advertisements on Mainland social media platforms for follow-up action. Members of the public who come across such advertisements may report them to the DH. Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (the Ordinance), any product that meets the definition of a “pharmaceutical product” must meet the criteria of safety, efficacy and quality, and be registered with the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong before they can be sold in the market. Advanced therapy products, which include gene therapy product, somatic cell therapy product and tissue engineered product, are regulated as pharmaceutical products under the Ordinance. Any person who illegally sells or possesses unregistered pharmaceutical products commits an offence and shall be liable, upon conviction, to a maximum penalty of a fine of $100,000 and two-years’ imprisonment. Importation and exportation of pharmaceutical products are regulated under the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60). Any person who imports or export pharmaceutical products without relevant import and export licence, commits an offence and shall be liable, upon conviction, the maximum penalty of a fine of $500,000 and two-years’ imprisonment.

The DH has not received any reports of adverse effect from members of the public in relation to the injection of WT1. Dr Fung reminded members of the public that, regarding any queries about the prevention and treatment of diseases (including cancers), they should first consult a registered doctor, who will provide professional advice based on individual health condition and the latest medical evidence. The public should not blindly trust unproven medical claims because protecting one’s own health is of the utmost importance.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Assistant Commissioner of Customs and Excise (Intelligence and Investigation), Mr Wong Ho-yin, witnessed by the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with PDD Holdings today (September 2) at the Customs Headquarters Building to establish a closer co-operative relationship.
 
At the signing ceremony, Mr Chan said that the National 15th Five-Year Plan supports the development of new forms and models of business, including cross-boundary e-commerce, and promotes regulatory innovation in customs clearance. The signing of the MOU with PDD Holdings is an important step in this direction to strengthen co-operation between the Government and the cross-boundary e-commerce platform. Both sides will establish a closer communication and collaboration mechanism, strengthen compliance promotion, and assist the platform and its merchants in understanding Hong Kong’s relevant legislation and import control requirements, with a view to preventing prohibited items from entering Hong Kong through online shopping channels, thereby providing more comprehensive protection for consumers.
 
The Senior Vice President of PDD Holdings, Mr Liao Yongdi, said that the group attached great importance to compliant development in cross-boundary e-commerce. The group would leverage technologies, including big data and AI, to strengthen management of goods, merchants and transaction processes, with a view to reducing compliance risks. He added that PDD Holdings looked forward to establishing a long-term communication mechanism with Hong Kong Customs to enhance collaboration and follow up on relevant matters in a timely manner, thereby providing Hong Kong consumers with a safer and more reliable online shopping experience.
 
Hong Kong Customs will continue to uphold the department’s duties and mission of safeguarding the country’s gateway and fostering development, deepen collaboration with the trade, and facilitate legitimate trade.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

     The delegation of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Transport began its four-day duty visit in Beijing today (September 2) to study the experience of road traffic planning in Beijing’s new development areas (NDAs) and road maintenance, with a view to advancing transport planning in Hong Kong’s NDAs, including the Northern Metropolis.

     Upon arriving in Beijing in the afternoon, the delegation visited the Beijing Transport Institute and received a briefing on its research and decision-support experience in urban transport planning and traffic operation monitoring. Both sides also exchanged views on transport planning in NDAs. The delegation hopes to draw on Beijing’s experience in transport development planning to offer recommendations to the Government, with a view to optimising and refining transport planning of the Northern Metropolis.

     The delegation also met with the representatives of the Beijing Urban Road Maintenance and Management Center to learn about local road maintenance experience and smart maintenance technologies. Members noted that the Center co-ordinates the planning, budgeting and management of major road maintenance projects in the city, including routine inspections and repairs of damaged road surfaces, and emergency drainage repair works during adverse weather. During the exchange, both sides discussed how to apply advanced technologies to effectively extend the service life of roads, thereby minimising traffic disruptions and enhancing road safety on busy expressways.

     The delegation will continue its duty visit in Beijing tomorrow (September 3).

     A total of 13 members and non-members of the Panel on Transport participate in the duty visit. The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, also leads a government delegation to join the duty visit.

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

​The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, expressed sorrow over the passing of veteran Hong Kong actor and dancer Lau Siu-ming, and extended her condolences to his family.

Mr Lau was a distinguished figure in Hong Kong’s performing arts sector. He began his career as a dancer, actively performing on stage in his early years, and later transitioned into television and film, where he appeared in numerous popular productions beloved by audience. His nuanced acting and versatile image left a precious artistic legacy in Hong Kong’s film and television culture. In 2007, he was conferred Honorary Fellowship of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts in recognition of his contributions to the performing arts sector.

Beyond his artistic achievements, Mr Lau was also dedicated to promoting local cultural and artistic development. He was the founder and advisor of several dance and arts groups, and served as a member of the “Art Form Panel (Dance and Multi-arts)” under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, offering valuable advice on nurturing new artistic talent and expanding audience. His professionalism and passion made significant contributions to the sustainable development of Hong Kong’s cultural sector.

Miss Law said, “Ming Sir devoted his life to dance and the performing arts. His talent and dedication will always be remembered. We deeply mourn his passing and pay the highest tribute to his outstanding artistic achievements.”

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (September 2) that it is investigating two confirmed Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) cases, and strongly urged high-risk target groups to receive Mpox vaccinations. Meanwhile, the public is advised to be vigilant and avoid close physical contact with individuals suspected of contracting Mpox.

     The first case involves a 38-year-old male. He developed ulcers on his genital area on August 19. As his symptoms persisted, he sought medical treatment at a social hygiene service clinic (SocHS) under the DH on August 31. According to information provided by the patient, he had sexual contact with his male partner in Hong Kong during the incubation period.
 
     The second case involves a 34-year-old male. He developed a fever on August 27 and sore throat on August 29. He sought medical attention at the Accident and Emergency Department of Caritas Medical Centre on the same day and was admitted for treatment. He further developed rashes on various parts of his body, including his face, neck, trunk, limbs, buttock and genital area, on September 1. According to information provided by the patient, he had high-risk exposure with three male strangers in Hong Kong during the incubation period.
 
     Both of their clinical specimens were tested positive for monkeypox virus upon laboratory testing by the CHP’s Public Health Laboratory Services Branch. The CHP has arranged them to receive isolation treatment at hospitals. They are currently in stable condition. No epidemiological linkages between these cases or confirmed Mpox cases earlier recorded in Hong Kong have been identified so far. The CHP is continuing an epidemiological investigation of the cases, and will endeavour to contact individuals who had high-risk contact with the patients and report the cases to the World Health Organization.

     Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 99 Mpox cases (79 local cases and 20 imported cases), including the above-mentioned cases. All patients were males. Epidemiological investigations revealed that most cases had high-risk sexual behaviour, including having sex with strangers or having sex without wearing condoms.
 
     The Mpox vaccine can prevent infection and severe disease. The DH provides Mpox vaccination services for high-risk groups. The following high-risk target groups are eligible for Mpox vaccinations on a voluntary basis:
 

1. individuals with high-risk sexual practices, e.g. having multiple sexual partners, sex workers, or having a history of sexually transmitted infection within the past 12 months;
2. healthcare workers responsible for caring for patients with confirmed Mpox;
3. laboratory personnel handling zoonotic pox viruses; and
4. animal care personnel with high risk of exposure in case of Mpox occurrences in animals in Hong Kong.

 
     High-risk target groups can receive Mpox walk-in vaccinations at any of the DH’s SocHS (namely Chai Wan SocHS, Wan Chai Male SocHS, Wan Chai Female SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Male SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Female SocHS, Yung Fung Shee SocHS, Fanling SocHS and Tuen Mun SocHS) and the DH’s Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre, without prior appointments.

     Meanwhile, the DH’s Kowloon Bay Integrated Treatment Centre and the Hospital Authority’s Special Medical Clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital also provide Mpox vaccination services for their clients.

     Mpox is not transmitted through respiratory droplets or aerosols in general, and transmission would not occur through social contact. The CHP reminds the public, especially those at higher risks of exposure, to take precautions and avoid close physical contact with persons or animals suspected of being infected. They should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they experience relevant symptoms, including rash, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle pain, and severe headaches. They should not engage in activities with others that may involve contact with skin rash or body fluids.

     For more details, please visit the CHP’s webpages on Mpox and Mpox Vaccination Programme.