Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday commended the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) for its achievements over the past five \"extraordinary\" years.
Xi made the remarks while addressing a welcome dinner held by the SAR government on the eve of the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to China.
Against the backdrop of accelerating global transformation and the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic, the fifth-term SAR government has rallied the people of all sectors in Macao to rise to the occasion. Their results-oriented efforts have ensured a steady economic recovery and progress in various undertakings, Xi noted.
Over the past five years, Macao has made significant strides in economic diversification and has reached new heights in improving the well-being of its residents. Xi highlighted that Macao's political and social foundations, rooted in love for the Chinese nation and the region, have become more solid and stronger. Additionally, Macao's international influence and visibility have risen notably.
The remarkable achievements are 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 involvement of the international community, Xi observed. He also credited the hard work and collective efforts of Macao's people under the leadership of the SAR government.
Macao enjoys unique advantages under the \"One Country, Two Systems\" framework, which has laid a solid foundation for its development. Xi emphasized that Macao should proactively align itself with national development strategies, such as building the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and seek to play a more significant role on the international stage.
The SAR should uphold the underlying values of love for the Chinese nation and love for Macao while embracing greater openness, inclusiveness, and solidarity. Macao should work to attract the best minds to jointly build a better future, Xi encouraged.
Xi also called on Macao to demonstrate stronger resolve and greater courage in reform and innovation, leveraging the institutional strengths of \"One Country, Two Systems\" to break new ground in its development.
Ho Iat Seng, the outgoing chief executive of the SAR, echoed the sentiments by expressing that Macao should contribute more to building China into a stronger nation and achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. He expressed confidence that the incoming chief executive, Sam Hou Fai, will lead 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
