President Xi Jinping today said the Central Government fully affirmed the work done by the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Government, led by the Chief Executive, Mr Ho Iat Seng.

President Xi received Mr Ho at Yingtai, within the Zhongnanhai compound in Beijing, to hear a briefing on the current situation regarding Macao and the work being done by the MSAR Government. Premier of the State Council, Mr Li Qiang, also attended the meeting and listened to the work report.

President Xi said that over the past year, the MSAR Government, led by Mr Ho, had demonstrated a strong commitment to fulfilling its duties and achieving results in a pragmatic manner. The MSAR Government had successfully completed the amendment of the Law on Safeguarding National Security; made substantial progress in revising the Chief Executive Election Law and Legislative Assembly Election Law; enhanced the regulated management of the gaming industry; and developed the first comprehensive and systematic plan in the city’s history regarding diversified development. The MSAR Government had also achieved notable advances in development of the Guangdong-Macao Intensive Cooperation Zone in Hengqin; and continuously expanded international exchanges and cooperation. Macao had seen rapid economic recovery, and maintained social harmony and stability, noted President Xi.

President Xi reiterated the importance of pursuing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernisation, as the country embarked on a new journey in the new era.

The Central Government would remain steadfast in the comprehensive and accurate implementation of the “One country, two systems” principle and the principle of “patriots governing Macao”, said the President. The Central Government would provide unwavering support to the Chief Executive and the MSAR Government in uniting and leading all sectors of society, in order to seize the historic opportunities presented by the country's development; and apply continuous effort to the successful implementation of “One country, two systems” with Macao's unique characteristics. All these efforts would present the MSAR with new approaches bringing about fresh benefits next year, as it enjoyed its 25th anniversary of return to the motherland.

Mr Cai Qi, Mr Ding Xuexiang, Mr Shi Taifeng, Mr Chen Wenqing, Mr Xia Baolong, Mr Zhou Ji, Mr Zheng Xincong and others attended the meeting. Ms Hoi Lai Fong was also at the meeting.