Distinguished Mr. Ho Hau Wah, Chief Executive of
the Macao Special Administrative Region,
Distinguished Mr. Ma Man Kei, Vice Chairman of the Central People’s Political Consultative Conference,
Distinguished Mr. Bai Zhijian, Director of the Liaison Office of the Central Government in the Macao SAR,
Distinguished Mr. Liu Lianhua, Commander of the People’s Liberation Army Garrison in the Macao SAR,
Distinguished Consular Representatives,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Friends,

First of all, please allow me, on behalf of the Commissioner’s Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region, and also in the name of Deputy Commissioner Wu Hongbo and my own, to extend our warm welcome to all our guests present here.

In this golden season of autumn，Deputy Commissioner Wu and I arrived in Macao to begin our new assignments. Although we have only been here for a very short time, the vibrant and vigorous Macao has deeply impressed us already. We are very pleased to see that the principles of “one country, two systems”,“Macao people administering Macao” and a high degree of autonomy have been fully implemented in the Macao SAR since Macao returned to the motherland nearly three years ago. The Macao SAR Government, headed by Chief Executive Ho Hau Wah, has administrated the region in accordance with the Basic Law, led Macao residents forward in a pioneering spirit and made remarkable achievements. At present, Macao enjoys an efficient government and harmonious community, local residents live and work in a favorable environment and the SAR is developing vigorously in all fields. The exchanges and cooperation between Macao and foreign countries and relevant international organizations in the fields of economy, trade, culture and so on are increasing daily. The Macao SAR is presenting itself to the world with a new image.

The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Macao is an agency responsible for handling the foreign affairs related to the Macao SAR, which are the responsibilities of the Central People’s Government. Since Macao’s return to the motherland, the Commissioner’s Office has, in strict accordance with the principle of “one country, two systems” and the Basic Law, handled foreign affairs related to the Macao SAR. Our work has enjoyed your full understanding and great support. I would like to take this opportunity to express our profound appreciation to Chief Executive Ho Hau Wah, the Macao SAR Government, people from all walks of life and the consular corps in Macao.

As Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner, Mr. Wu and I felt greatly honored by these appointments and urgently pressed by our responsibilities. Based on the established solid working foundation, we shall continue to implement persistently the principles of “one country, two systems”,“Macao people administering Macao” and a high degree of autonomy, adhere strictly to the Basic Law, and work hard to safeguard our state sovereignty and national interests, protect the legitimate rights and interests of our Macao compatriots, and promote the exchanges and contacts between Macao and the outside world. The Commissioner’s Office shall continue to work in close cooperation with people from all walks of life in Macao and make a positive contribution to the further implementation of the principle of “one country, two systems” and the maintenance of prosperity and stability in the Macao SAR.

Ladies and gentlemen, friends,

We are going to celebrate the 53rd anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China in three days. Soon after, we will also welcome the opening of the 16th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and celebrate the 3rd anniversary of the establishment of the Macao SAR. On this occasion, we sincerely wish that the young Macao SAR advancing together with our great nation will score brilliant new successes in the future.

Now, may I propose a toast

to strong and prosperous China,
to the prosperity and stability of the Macao Special Administrative Region, and
to the health of all guests present here,
Cheers!