MACAO, Dec. 20 -- President Xi Jinping on Saturday stressed the importance to strengthen education and upbringing of the young people in Macao, saying "Young people in Macao represent not only the hope and future of Macao, but also the hope and future of the whole country."

"We need to strengthen the education and upbringing of young people to ensure that fine tradition of loving the motherland and loving Macao will be carried forward from one generation to another and that the cause of 'one country, two systems' will be continuously advanced," he said at a gathering celebrating the return of Macao to China 15 years ago.

The president said the fine traditional culture that the Chinese nation has created and carried forward in its thousands of years of history is the root and and soul of the Chinese nation.

"In the education of the young people, priority should be given to the history, culture and national condition of China," Xi said, so that they will better appreciate the richness of the Chinese civilization, the glorious journey of the Chinese nation since modern times, the endeavor and achievement of new China, and the intrinsic link between sticking to the principle of "one country, two systems" and upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics and realizing the Chinese dream of great national renewal.

In this way, the young people will fully understand the destiny and future of Macao are closely tied to those of the motherland, thus having a stronger sense of national pride and deeper love for the motherland and Macao.

Xi hoped they will "commit themselves to the cause of 'one country, two systems' with a greater sense of responsibility and mission."