Chui Sai On (center) and guests toast at the reception hosted by the government
The Macau government hosted a reception on Thursday, December 20, to celebrate the 19th anniversary of the establishment of the Macau Special Administrative Region. The reception followed the annual flag-raising ceremony held at Golden Lotus Square.
According to Xinhua, approximately 910 guests attended the reception event, while more than 350 guests attended the flag-raising ceremony.
At the reception, Chief Executive Chui Sai On delivered a speech calling for further Macau participation in the country’s national reform strategy and introducing new opening-up policies, under the principle of “serving the country’s needs, delivering Macau’s strengths”. He said that the region was both trusted and valued by the mainland’s top official, President Xi Jinping.
Chui said that in the year ahead, the local government will work together with the general public, namely to promote further understanding and implementation of the four aspirations for Macau, and their respective spirit, outlined by the Chinese President. Xi outlined these aspirations in an important speech delivered when he received delegations respectively from Hong Kong and Macau in November.
Chui recalled that president Xi’s four aspirations for Macau are: to play a more active role in the nation’s reform and opening up process; to diligently integrate its development with the country’s overall progress; to make greater contributions to the country’s governance system; and to facilitate people-to-people exchanges at an international level.
According to Chui, these four aspirations show that Macau is valued and trusted by the Central Government. In addition, these four aspirations gave Macau a clear direction for its long-term development, he added.
The Chief Executive also used his speech to review Macau’s ongoing efforts to align the SAR with the country’s overall progress. Specifically he mentioned the signing of agreements to promote Macau’s participation in and support of the Belt and Road initiative.
Finally, Chui acknowledged that next year will mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the MSAR, coinciding with a change in administration. The process leading to the new administration will be handled according to the law, he said.
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