A photo exhibition on Macao was held in Kathmandu on December 16 to mark the forthcoming handover of Macao to China on December 20, 1999.

The 102 photos on the exhibition unfolded the history and development of Macao, which is an inalienable part of China but had fallen bit by bit under Portugal's occupation since the mid- 16th century.

The Chinese and Portuguese governments signed a joint declaration on the Macao issue on April 13, 1987 and agreed on China's resuming exercise of sovereignty over Macao on December 20, 1999.

Speaking on opening ceremony of the photo show, Nepalese Minister for Youth, Sports and Culture Sharad Singh Bhandari conveyed the message of congratulation by Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai on Macao's return to China.

Bhandari said the return of Macao to China is good for Macao people, because their right will be secured under China's "One Country, Two System" policy.

The Macao people will be able to decide the fate by themselves, Bhandari said.

Also at the opening function, Chinese Ambassador Zeng Xuyong made a brief introduction of Macao and expressed the conviction that the successful return of Macao will be an important step for the reunification of China. "Macao will meet the 21st century with an entirely new look and will have a brighter future," said the Chinese ambassador.

The ambassador was convinced that the return of Hong Kong and Macao is bound to be followed by the resolution of the Taiwan issue and the complete reunification of China.

Hundreds of people from all walks of life came for the debut of the exhibition, which was jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy and the Kathmandu Metropolitan city.