Chinese President Xi Jinping has commended the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) for its remarkable achievements over the past five ‘extraordinary’ years. Speaking at a welcome dinner hosted by the SAR government on the eve of the 25th anniversary of Macao’s return to China, Xi highlighted the region’s resilience and progress amid unprecedented global challenges.
“Against the backdrop of accelerating global transformation not seen in a century and the once-in-a-century pandemic, the fifth-term SAR government has rallied and led the people of all sectors in Macao to rise to the challenge,” Xi stated. He praised Macao for ensuring steady economic recovery and achieving advancements in all areas.
Over the past five years, Macao has made significant strides in diversifying its economy and enhancing the well-being of its residents. Xi acknowledged that the region’s political and social foundation, rooted in love for the Chinese nation and love for Macao, has become more solid, with its international influence and visibility increasing substantially.
These achievements, according to Xi, are the result of the full and faithful implementation of the “One Country, Two Systems” policy, robust support from the central government and the mainland, and the active involvement of the international community. He attributed the success to the hard work and united efforts of the people of Macao under the leadership of the SAR government.
Emphasizing Macao’s unique advantages under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework, Xi urged the region to proactively align itself with national development strategies, such as the building of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. “Macao should seek to play a bigger role on the international stage,” he said.
Xi called on Macao to uphold the core values of love for the Chinese nation and love for Macao, while embracing greater openness, inclusiveness, and solidarity. He encouraged efforts to attract top talent to jointly build a better Macao.
“Macao needs to demonstrate stronger resolve and greater courage in reform and innovation,” Xi added, suggesting that the region leverage its institutional strengths to break new ground in development.
Ho Iat Seng, the outgoing chief executive of the SAR, echoed Xi’s sentiments in his speech. He emphasized Macao’s role in contributing to China’s goals of becoming a stronger country and achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Expressing confidence in the future leadership, Ho stated his firm belief that the sixth-term chief executive of the Macao SAR, Sam Hou Fai, will lead the new government and all sectors of Macao to write a new chapter in the practice of “One Country, Two Systems” with Macao characteristics.
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Xi commends Macao's achievements in past 5 'extraordinary' years
cgtn.com
