President Xi Jinping, accompanied by his wife, Peng Liyuan, greets the welcoming crowd after arriving at Macao International Airport on Wednesday. [FENG YONGBIN / CHINA DAILY]

Arrival for 20th anniversary celebration of return to motherland warmly welcomed

President Xi Jinping spoke highly on Wednesday of Macao's implementation of the "one country, two systems" policy and praised the achievements of Macao in the past 20 years.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a speech upon his arrival at the airport.

The president planned to attend a gathering on Friday marking the 20th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. He was also to be present at the inauguration ceremony for the fifth-term government of the Macao 

Special Administrative Region and inspect the SAR.

Xi extended warm congratulations and best wishes to Macao compatriots on the occasion.

The people of the whole nation and the central government are proud of Macao's achievements in the past two decades, Xi said. "It is worthwhile to sum up the experience and characteristics of Macao in faithfully implementing 'one country, two systems'," he said.

The president expressed willingness to communicate with people from all walks of life during his stay in the SAR.

In his speech, Xi recalled some of his previous visits to Macao, starting as early as June 2000, saying that he is not a stranger to city. This is Xi's sixth visit since Macao returned to the motherland.

Noting that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Xi said that the 20th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland is a big event for all Chinese people.

Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, received a warm welcome from hundreds of students at the airport.