A grand cocktail party was held in Macao on December 20 afternoon to celebrate the return of Macao to China and the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) of the People's Republic of China.

Chinese Vice-Premier Qian Qichen spoke at the party and wished the Macao SAR sustained development and long-term stability.

Another long-cherished wish of the Chinese people has come true with the founding of the MSAR, Qian said. On the same day the MSAR Basic Law has started to take effect in accordance with a decree signed by President Jiang Zemin, he said.

The central government is firmly determined to implement the principles of "one country, two systems", "Macao people administering Macao" and "a high degree of autonomy" for Macao, he said.

The MSAR Basic Law will be implemented to the letter, he said.

Proposing a toast, Edmund Ho Hau Wah, the newly sworn-in Chief Executive of the MSAR, said that the return of Macao opened a new chapter in China's history and is of great significance for the final reunification of China.

The MSAR chief executive also expressed his confidence in the prosperity and stability of Macao and in the prosperity of the motherland.

More than 3,000 people attended the party.