Xi starts Macao tour, hails region's progress (4)

MACAO, Dec. 19 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping kicked off his two-day visit in Macao on Friday for celebrations marking the 15th anniversary of the region's return to the motherland.

Xi spoke highly of the great progress and achievements Macao has scored since its return 15 years ago.

Upon arrival at the Macao International Airport on Friday noon, Xi told reporters that he believes that Macao will progress in a more steady manner on the right track, guided by the "one country, two systems" policy and the Basic Law of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).

The president met with Chui Sai On, chief executive of the Macao SAR and called on him to make renewed efforts for Macao's development, saying "the central government pins high hope on the new SAR government."

He told Chui that the central government will confer a pair of giant pandas to Macao and wished "they would grow up healthily and bring happiness to Macao people."

He also informed Chui of the central government decision to start the working procedure for the demarcation of Macao's maritime waters.

In the afternoon, the president visited the Seac Pai Van public housing estate, Macao's largest public housing project for low-income residents, chatting with local residents.

The president was warmly greeted by Tam Yuk Ngor and her family, who moved in the neighborhood eight months ago.

Xi said he was impressed by the harmonious and loving family for their optimism and diligence for a better life.

"I feel happy for you. I hope you'll work and study hard so you can make contribution to a better future of Macao and our motherland," he said.

The president also visited the home of Tam's neighbor Leung Chi Kwok, a dock worker.

On a separate occasion, Peng Liyuan, wife of the president, visited a kindergarten, with the company of Fok Wai Fun, wife of Chief Executive Chui.

The president attended a welcoming dinner, hosted by the Macao SAR government in the evening, where he attributed Macao's progress and achievements to the full and correct implementation of the principle of "one country, two systems" and the Basic Law.

He said Macao's success is also credited to the unity and hard work of the government of the Macao Special Administrative Region, the Macao compatriots, the strong backing of the central government and people of all ethnic groups in China.

The president expressed the belief that the people of Macao will make solid efforts and build a brighter future with people in the rest parts of China.

"I am convinced that under the leadership of the Chief Executive and government of the Macao SAR, the Macao people from all walks of life will be united as one and make continued efforts to write an even more brilliant chapter in the story of Macao," Xi said.

During a meeting with Leung Chun-ying, chief executive of the Hong Kong SAR, President Xi voiced the central government's full trust and support to him and the administrative team he leads, as well as the Hong Kong police.

Xi also met with Ho Hau Wah, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and former chief executive of the Macao SAR, principal officials of the third-term Macao SAR government, and representatives from all walks of the life in the region.

After the welcoming dinner, the president and his wife watched an evening gala, a variety show themed "Dream of Macao, Heart of China." He got on the stage in the company of Chui, shaking hands with the performers and singing the Ode to the Motherland with them at the end of the performances.

On Saturday, Xi will attend a celebration gathering and officiate the inauguration of the fourth-term chief executive and government of the Macao SAR.