Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday heard a work report via video link from Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on the government's work in 2020 and Macao's current situation. 

"While preventing and controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, effective measures have been taken to restore the economy and overcome the people's difficulties. These measures have achieved positive results and promoted social harmony in Macao," President Xi told Ho. 

"The central government fully acknowledges the work you and the Macao SAR government have done," Xi said. 

"The central government has always been concerned about the well-being of our compatriots in Macao and the development of Macao," said the president. 

"We will continue to fully support Macao in containing the pandemic, accelerating economic and social development, improving the legal system and mechanism for safeguarding national security, promoting its diversified economic development, better integrating into the overall development of the country, and promoting the successful practice of 'One Country, Two Systems' with Macao's characteristics," he stressed. 

Ho said he will continue to unite and lead Macao residents from all walks of life to effectively fulfill their constitutional responsibility to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, to integrate with China's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) and the new development paradigm of the country, and to strive to promote the practice of "One Country, Two Systems" with Macao characteristics.

Earlier in the day, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang also listened to Ho's work report. Premier Li spoke highly of Ho and Macao SAR government's efforts in dealing with the pandemic and developing its economy. 

(Cover: Chinese President Xi Jinping hears a work report delivered via video link from Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on the Macao SAR government's work in 2020 and Macao's current situation, Beijing, China, January 27, 2021. /Xinhua)