The practice of "One Country, Two Systems" with Macao characteristics will achieve greater success and Macao compatriots will make greater contributions to realizing the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a speech at a welcoming banquet held by the Macao Special Administrative Region government on Thursday. 

Macao, he said, has consistently integrated the requirements of "One Country, Two Systems" with local realities, offering many bright spots. 

Xi said maintaining the core value of loving the motherland and Macao, firmly establishing the authority of the Constitution and the Basic Law and actively integrating into the country's development help to build the Macao model of One Country, Two Systems.

The past 20 years since Macao's return to the motherland have seen the fastest economic growth and greatest improvement of people's livelihoods in the territory, the Chinese president said.

Thanks to the implementation of the policy, the strong support of the central government and the mainland, as well as the active actions of the SAR government and concerted efforts of all sectors of society, Macao has witnessed historic achievements and changes in its economic and social development, he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech at a welcome banquet marking the 20th anniversary of Macao's return to China, in south China's Macao, December 19, 2019. /Xinhua Photo

The incumbent Chief Executive of the Macao SAR Chui Sai On said that the most valuable experience of Macao's successful implementation of One Country, Two Systems is implementing the Constitution and the Basic Law comprehensively and accurately. 

The key point, he said, is the precise understanding and sincere support for the country's political system and core values. 

Macao's achievements are inseparable from the strong support of the central government, he added.  

In a separate meeting on Thursday, Xi also commended the diligent work of principal officials and heads of legislative and judicial organs of the Macao SAR to steadily push forward the practice of One Country, Two Systems, under the leadership of Chief Executive Chui Sai On.

The president also met with representatives of the disciplinary forces of the Macao SAR on the same day. During the meeting, President Xi stressed the importance of resolutely safeguarding national sovereignty and security, and fighting against all acts that challenge the power of the central government and the authority of the Basic Law.