Central govt remains committed to Macao's principles

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-12-19 23:46

MACAO: Chinese President Hu Jintao reiterated here Saturday that the central government will remain firmly committed to the principles of "one country, two systems" and "Macao people governing Macao" with a high degree of autonomy.

Hu made the remarks at a dinner in his honor by the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government.

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The central government will continue to act in strict accordance with the Basic Law of the Macao SAR and give full support to the Chief Executive and government of the Macao SAR in their governance according to law.

Hu arrived in Macao on Saturday noon to attend the celebrations marking the 10th anniversary of the city's return to the motherland and the inauguration of the third-term government of the Macao SAR scheduled on Sunday.

"We will give full support to Macao in promoting economic development, people's welfare, democracy and harmony," said the president.

The central government will give full support to Macao in strengthening interaction and cooperation with the mainland, and in expanding external exchanges, he noted.

"And we will unswervingly uphold long-term prosperity and stability in Macao," he said.

Over the past decade, the principles of "one country, two systems" and "Macao people governing Macao" with a high degree of autonomy have been fully implemented in Macao, said Hu.

He pointed to the fact that Macao has made a greater success in its development than ever before, as evidenced by its continued economic growth, vigorous development in various social programs, sustained social stability, closer link and cooperation with the mainland, more robust external exchanges and ever-expanding international influence.

"What happened speaks loud and clear to the strong vitality of the undertaking of 'one country, two system," said Hu.

Thanks to unremitting efforts in the past decade, Macao is poised to develop from a new starting line, he said.

"To build a better future for Macao, we should place emphasis on both inheritance and innovation," said the president.

By inheritance, there is need to earnestly take stock of the successful experience gained over the past decade, He explained.

By innovation, it is necessary to be soberly aware of the challenges brought about by the changes in Macao's internal and external environment, he added.

"Only by striking a balance between inheritance and innovation can we move forward on the basis of past achievements and take Macao's development to a new level," said the president.

Outgoing Macao SAR Chief Executive Edmund Ho Hau Wah extended a warm welcome and highest respect to President Hu on behalf of the Macao SAR government and citizens.

"I truly believe that under the leadership and support of the central government, our third-term Chief Executive, Mr. Chui Sai On, will lead the new administration and the people in Macao to uphold the Basic Law and strive in unity in order to create a new wave of prosperity and harmony in Macao, and to bring the successful implementation of 'one country, two systems' to the next new level, " he said.

At the end of his address at the welcoming dinner, the president announced that the central government has decided to give a pair of giant pandas as a gift to the Macao SAR to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao SAR.

"We believe the lovely giant pandas will convey the profound and warm feelings of the people in the mainland to the Macao citizens and add to the festive atmosphere in Macao," Hu said.