The progress and success of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) are attributable to the full implementation of the principle of “one country, two systems” and the Basic Law.

This is according to the President, Mr Xi Jinping, in a speech at a dinner reception to welcome him on his two-day official visit to Macao.

Mr Xi said he was deeply touched by the joy and harmony he saw in two ordinary local families he visited earlier this afternoon.

“The parents are hard-working and the kids are diligent. Everybody is keen to see greater progress in their own community and in Macao. They all aspire for a better tomorrow,” he said.

The President noted that the most important issue for Macao at present and for some time in the future is how to make greater progress on the basis of the achievements made in the past 15 years and to maintain Macao’s long-term prosperity and stability.

He urged the Macao people to stay alert to the changes taking place both within and outside Macao, work together to build on what has been achieved, and support the MSAR Government’s work to break new ground in the implementation of the “one country, two systems” principle.

For his part, the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, said the successful implementation of the principle of “One country, two systems” had provided Macao with important institutional protection for a better future.

Mr Chui said the SAR Government would continue to improve people’s quality of life, and pragmatically turn Macao into a world tourism and leisure centre as well as a service platform for commercial and trade cooperation between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries.

He said he would bear in mind President Xi’s advice upon receiving the appointment as the fourth-term Chief Executive of the Macao SAR in Beijing when the President recognised the achievements of the MSAR Government and urged him to do an even better job in governing and developing Macao.

Concluding his remarks, the Chief Executive thanked the President and the Central People’s Government for their trust and support, pledging to join hands with the Macao people to strive for the long-term prosperity and stability of Macao.

This evening’s reception, held at the Macao East Asian Games Dome, was attended by about 500 dignitaries.

After the reception, President Xi attended the variety show celebrating the 15th anniversary of the MSAR, which was also held at the Macao East Asian Games Dome.