The inauguration ceremony of the fourth-term Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region took place at 9:30 this morning at the East Asian Games Dome.

The visiting President, Mr Xi Jinping administered the oath of office to the Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, in the presence of more than 1,200 guests.

The principal officials, the Public Prosecutor-General and the Executive Councillors of the fourth-term MSAR Government were also sworn in following Mr Chui’s oath.

In his inauguration speech, the Chief Executive pointed out that the address given by President Xi in today’s ceremony had provided new guidance and momentum for Macao’s further development.

He pledged that he would press ahead with the great cause of “One country, two systems”, “Macao people governing Macao” and a high degree of autonomy.

“We will steadfastly support our national sovereignty, security and interests, and spare no effort to safeguard the long-term prosperity and stability of the Macao SAR,” said Mr Chui.

He also noted that as a family member of China, the Macao SAR had secured a strong foothold with the support of the motherland and made a historic leap in strengthening Macao’s economy, significantly improving people’s quality of life, and maintaining social harmony and stability.

His new administration would stick to the principle of “putting people first” and scientific decision-making while enhancing the government accountability system, the legal system and the anti-corruption mechanism, he said.

Toward the end of his speech, Mr Chui thanked the Central People’s Government for its decision to give another pair of giant pandas to Macao and to initiate the relevant procedures in granting Macao jurisdiction over its customary waters.

Earlier this morning, a flag-raising ceremony was held at the Golden Lotus Square to mark the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the Macao SAR.

The ceremony was attended by the Chief Executive and about 300 guests.