(Xinhua/Ju Peng)
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday congratulated the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) for its achievements over the past five “extraordinary” years.
Xi made the remarks at a welcome dinner hosted by the SAR government on the eve of the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to the motherland.
Against the backdrop of an acceleration of global transformation unprecedented in a century and a once-in-a-century pandemic, the fifth-term government of the SAR has mobilized and brought people from all sectors of Macao has faced challenges, made results-oriented efforts, ensured steady economic recovery and made progress in all businesses, Xi noted.
Over the past five years, Macao has made new progress in appropriate economic diversification and reached a new level in improving people’s welfare, according to Xi.
Macao’s political and social foundations, rooted in love of the Chinese nation and love of Macao, are more solid and stronger, and its international influence and visibility have greatly increased, he added.
The remarkable achievements can be attributed to the full and faithful implementation of the “one country, two systems” policy, the vigorous support of the central government and the mainland, and the active participation of the international community, noted Mr. .Xi.
They are also the result of the hard work and sustained efforts of people from all sectors of Macao united under the leadership of the Macao SAR Government, he added.
Macao enjoys the unique advantages of the “one country, two systems” policy and has laid a solid foundation for its development, Xi said.
Macau should proactively align with national development strategies, such as building the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and seek to play a greater role in the international arena, Xi said .
The SAR should uphold the underlying values of love of the Chinese nation and love of Macao while embracing greater openness, inclusiveness and solidarity, and strive to attract the best minds to build together a better Macau, he noted.
Macao must show greater determination and courage in reform and innovation, Xi said, adding that the region can harness the institutional strengths of “one country, two systems” to open new avenues in its development.
Ho Iat Seng, outgoing Chief Executive of the SAR, said in his speech that Macao should contribute more to making China a stronger country and realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Mr. Ho expressed his firm belief that Sam Hou Fai, the sixth-term Chief Executive of the Macao SAR, will lead the new government and all sectors of Macao to write a new chapter of the practice of “one country, two systems.” ” with the characteristics of Macau.
Cai Qi and other senior officials attended the event.
