MACAO, Dec. 20 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday urged continued efforts to enhance social harmony and stability in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).

"Both the SAR government and people from all walks of life in Macao must doubly cherish and do everything they can to safeguard harmony and stability in Macao," Xi said at a celebration gathering marking the 15th anniversary of Macao's return to China.

The president also urged the SAR government to "put people first," properly respond to diverse demands in the society, balance the interests of various sides and foster a more equitable and just social environment.

The SAR government needs to make sure that the Macao people have better access to the fruits of development, improve their quality of life and increase their happiness index, he said.

Meanwhile, the president called on the Macao people to continue to love Macao and the motherland, support the work of the chief executive and the SAR government in governing Macao in accordance with law, strengthen social cohesion and positive energy, and work jointly for long-term prosperity and stability of Macao.

Xi also emphasized the need to guard against external infiltration and interference, so as to maintain the sound atmosphere of stability and unity in Macao.