Members of the Preparatory Committee for the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) held their last meeting on January 10, attended by top Chinese leaders Jiang Zemin, Li Peng, Zhu Rongji, Li Ruihuan, Hu Jintao, Wei Jianxing and Li Lanqing.

President Jiang Zemin said he appreciated the committee's work over the year. He said the committee has played an important role in the successful establishment of the Macao SAR and Macao's smooth handover.

Macao's return to the motherland is another big event in China's history, succeeding Hong Kong's return. Gone are the days of China being overridden by foreign powers, Jiang said.

The president pointed out it was China's development and stability that ensured the smooth transition.

The "one country, two systems" policy put forward by late leader Deng Xiaoping has directed the future of Hong Kong and Macao and will make Taiwan's return possible, the president said.

He believed that Macao people will try their best to build an even more beautiful region in the new century.

Jiang also expressed his hope that the committee members will continue their efforts to support the work of the Macao SAR government, led by Chief Executive Ho Hau Wah, and contribute to the region's long-term development and stability.

Vice-Premier Qian Qichen, chairman of the Preparatory Committee, and Chief Executive Ho Hau Wah of the Macao SAR government also addressed the meeting.