President Xi Jinping vowed on Thursday that the central government will always support the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region(HKSAR) in growing the city's economy and improving people's wellbeing.

Xi made the remarks after he landed at Hong Kong International Airport at midday, marking the start of his three-day visit. He will attend celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inauguration of the fifth-term HKSAR government on July 1. Xi will also inspect the HKSAR.

"I'm pleased to have set foot in Hong Kong once again after nine years," Xi said. "Hong Kong's development has always pulled at my heartstrings."

Accompanied by his wife Peng Liyuan and a central government delegation, Xi said his Hong Kong tour would serve to express best wishes for the HKSAR, showcase the central government's support and help the region plan its future.

Xi extended congratulations for the achievements Hong Kong has made in the past 20 years and his sincere good wishes to the city and its residents.

In the past 20 years the central government has always given Hong Kong strong backing, providing unfailing support to boost the city's economy and improve people's wellbeing, the president said.

Meanwhile, Xi said he would join people from across Hong Kong to review the HKSAR's extraordinary 20-year journey, draw experience from the past and plan for the future to ensure the smooth and long-term successful implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle.

Hong Kong will mark the 20th anniversary of its return to the motherland on July 1. This would be an important as well as joyous occasion for both the country and the city, he said, adding that he was looking forward to experiencing the changes Hong Kong had undergone over the years.

"I believe that through the series of events to be staged in Hong Kong, our determination and confidence in developing and building a better Hong Kong will surely be enhanced," he said.

This is Xi's first visit to the HKSAR as Chinese president.

The president was greeted by Chief Executive of the HKSAR Leung Chun-ying, incoming chief executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and a group of high-ranking Hong Kong government officials at the airport tarmac. A group of Hong Kong residents, together with students from local elementary schools, were also present at the airport, extending a warm welcome to Xi.