Premier Li Keqiang has voiced expectations that the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) can make greater progress on achieving appropriate economic diversification and stay prosperous and stable in the long run.

Premier Li made the remarks in a meeting with Macao SAR Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng on Thursday during the latter's annual duty visit to Beijing.

During the meeting, Li heard Ho's work report and said the central government fully acknowledges the work by Ho and the SAR government to stabilize the economy, secure employment and ensure people's livelihoods over the past year.

The central government will continue to fully, faithfully and resolutely implement the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, under which the people of Macao administer Macao with a high degree of autonomy, Li said.

Efforts will be made to improve the region's systems and mechanisms for enforcing the Constitution and the Basic Law, Li said, adding that the central government fully supports the chief executive and the SAR government in the exercise of law-based administration.

The premier said he expects the Macao SAR to take the initiative on better integrating its development into the country's overall development, actively advancing the Guangdong-Macao in-depth cooperation zone in Hengqin, making greater progress on achieving appropriate economic diversification, and continuing to improve people's well-being, so as to maintain the lasting prosperity and stability of the region.

Ho expressed his appreciation for the central government's support on epidemic prevention and control and economic recovery, adding that Macao will better grasp the opportunities brought by the country's development strategies and seek further development.

(With input from Xinhua)