Chinese President Jiang Zemin said that the Chinese Government's resumption of exercise of sovereignty over Macao and the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China mark another important step on the road of China's full reunification.

Jiang, who is also General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks at a ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to see off the Chinese central government delegation, headed by Jiang, before it was leaving for Macao.

The decision by the central government to send a delegation with wide representation to attend the handover ceremony and various celebrations in Macao is to demonstrate the strong solidarity of the Chinese people of all nationalities and all the compatriots, to illustrate the joyous mood of the Chinese people for the return of Macao to the motherland, and to show the resolute support of the central government and all the Chinese people to the Macao SAR and compatriots in Macao, stressed Jiang.

Delegation members, including Zhu Rongji, Qian Qichen and Chi Haotian, were present at the ceremony.

Seeing the delegation off were Li Peng, Hu Jintao, Wei Jianxing and Li Lanqing, among other Party and State leaders.

Jiang said that the ever-growing prosperity and the rise of the international status of China are the fundamental reason for the return of Hong Kong and Macao, adding that the great idea of "one country, two systems" proposed by the late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping is the only correct way for China's reunification.

He noted that the successful practice of the "one country, two systems" idea in Hong Kong and Macao will serve as a model for the solution of the Taiwan issue, and facilitate the nation's complete reunification.

All the Chinese people are joyful for the return of Macao to the motherland, and the world is also paying close attention to the event, said Jiang.

He pointed out that the success of the ceremonial activities will have profound and long-term impact on the promotion of patriotism among the Chinese people, the consolidation of solidarity among various nationalities in China, stepping up the process of the full reunification of the motherland, and the grand cause of building socialism with Chinese characteristics.

While participating in the ceremonial activities, members of the delegation will demonstrate the glory and pride of the Chinese people of all nationalities for the return of Macao, show the courtesy of traditional Chinese culture, and express their deep brotherhood to compatriots in Macao, said Jiang.

Jiang noted that during its stay in Macao, the delegation will expound the central government's basic principles and policies toward Macao after its return to the motherland to the compatriots in Macao and guests from other countries.

The ceremonial activities will show a strong sense of confidence to the outside world that the Macao SAR will surely be able to maintain long-term stability and development and that the prospects of Macao will be rosy under the guidance of the principles of "one country, two systems", "Macao people governing Macao" and a high degree of autonomy, said the Chinese president.

He expressed the confidence that the delegation will surely fulfill its glorious task in Macao with the joint efforts of all its members.