Chief Executive Edmund Ho met with European Commissioner for External Relations, Chris Patten at the Charlemagne Building today (20) during his five-day visit to the European Union and Belgium.

Chris Patten praised Macau's smooth and efficient administration since the 1999 handover.

Commissioner Patten also said that the European Union gave positive assessment to the Macau SAR Government's performance in last year's report on the situation of Macau, adding that he expected this year's report would affirm the achievement of the SAR Government also.

The Chief Executive briefed the Commissioner on the recent development of Macau since the establishment of the SAR.

He also mention to Patten that during his meeting with European Commission President Romano Prodi, both sides agreed on the development of Macau into a European Studies Center in Asia, adding that the SAR Government would give full support for the establishment of such institutes in Macau.

Chris Patten agreed with the Chief Executive on the matter. He also pledged to promote Macau's investment and tourism potential among businessmen in the European Union.

Chris Patten, also told Edmund Ho that he was a frequent visitor to Macau and he missed the tranquility, good food and antique furniture in Macau, adding that he believed that Macau would be an attractive destination for European tourists.

The Chief Executive is scheduled to start the second leg of his visit by paying a visit to the Belgian parliament on Thursday (21) and pay a courtesy call on Crown Prince Philippe on Friday before returning to Macau.