Mr. Yuan Tao, the first Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region has completed his tour of duty and left Macao for Beijing with his wife on 20 July. According to the decision of the Central People’s Government, Mr. Wan Yongxiang has been appointed to replace Mr. Yuan as new Commissioner.

Before leaving, Commissioner Yuan made farewell calls on Mr. Ho Hau Wah, Chief Executive of the Macao SAR, Mr. Ma Man Kei, Vice Chairman of the Central People’s Political Consultative Conference, Ms. Susana Chou, President of the Legislative Assembly and others respectively. Chief Executive Ho met and had lunch with Commissioner Yuan.

Commissioner Yuan expressed his profound appreciation to the Macao SAR Government headed by the Chief Executive Ho, Macao people from all walks of life and the consular corps in Macao for their support to the Commissioner’s Office.

Commissioner Yuan said that over the past two years, his Office had implemented persistently the principles of “one country, two systems”, “Macao people administering Macao” and a high degree of autonomy and adhered strictly to the Basic Law. The Office and the Macao SAR Government respected, trusted and supported each other in their close cooperation and already established a smooth and effective working mechanism. Under the leadership of the Central People’s Government, the Commissioner’s Office had, working closely with the Macao SAR Government, handled and coordinated a large number of foreign affairs matters affecting Macao and made positive contributions to safeguarding state sovereignty and national interests, maintaining Macao’s stability and development, protecting the legitimate rights and interests of the Macao compatriots, and promoting and expanding the exchanges and cooperation between Macao and the outside world.

Commissioner Yuan said that since the establishment of the Macao SAR over two years ago, the principles of “one country, two systems”, “Macao people administering Macao” and a high degree of autonomy had been fully implemented. The policy guidelines of “consolidating the foundations and developing steadily” adopted by the SAR Government had achieved tangible results. Macao residents, led by the SAR Government and Mr. Ho, worked in concerted efforts and marched forward in a pioneering spirit, thus achieving vigorous progress in such fields as economy, social affairs and culture. Macao had presented itself to the world with a new image.

Commissioner Yuan also said that he enjoyed a pleasant stay and work in Macao. He hoped that under the leadership of Chief Executive Ho, the Macao SAR would continue to achieve new economic growth and social progress, and Macao people would enjoy a happy life. Finally, he wished a even better future for the Macao SAR.