A visiting senior Chinese security official said in Macao on November 22 that police forces in China' s inland areas and Macao are able to ensure a safe and smooth handover ceremony.

Zhu Entao, assistant minister of public security of China, said public security officials from both sides exchanged views and reached consensus on security matters in the days toward the handover and during the handover ceremony beginning mid-night on December 19.

Zhu, who arrived here Sunday, held talks with Antonio Marques Baptista, director of the Judicial Police Department, and with Manuel Soares Monge, secretary for security of the Portuguese Macao Government, on Monday.

"Police forces from the two sides have cooperated effectively in fighting against organized trans-border crimes, maintaining public security and protecting people's life and property," Zhu said.

The officials have agreed to strengthen cooperation to ensure good public order in Macao in the transitional period and ensure safe and smooth handover activities.

Zhu noted that the two sides have reached consensus on enhancing information exchange and working out concrete measures for the sake of security. In this regard, an around-the-clock information hotline has been put into use.