Chinese Premier Li Keqiang emphasized on Monday that the central government will continue to uphold the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, with the "Hong Kong people administering Hong Kong," and "Macao people administering Macao" with a high degree of autonomy, complying with the constitution and the basic laws of these two regions.  

Premier Li made the remarks during a meeting with the leaders of the two regions.

Carrie Lam, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), and Chui Sai On, Macao SAR's chief executive, were in Beijing on Monday to report on the work of the SAR governments.

Premier Li also said that the central government gives full support to the chief executives and each SAR government to govern their regions in accordance with the law.

The premier expressed his appreciation towards Lam's work and said that Hong Kong's economic growth wasn't easy under the intricate and complicated international situation.

He also commended Hong Kong's work in proactively participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and improving technological innovation as well as people's well-being.

In a separate meeting with Chui, the premier praised the Macao SAR government for its fast-growing economy and improvement in people's livelihood with a low unemployment rate.

Li said developing the economy is the top priority in improving people's livelihood. He also expressed his hope that Macao would continue to pursue diversified economic development, and develop key industries such as tourism, exhibitions, Chinese medicine.

He also encouraged the Macao SAR government to proactively participate in the Belt and Road Initiative and the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Lam for her part said Hong Kong's society has gained new development under the support from the central government.

She said that Hong Kong will make new contributions towards the next stage of reform and opening-up. 

Chui thanked the central government for its support of Macao. The Macao SAR government will seize the opportunity in the reform and opening-up process to promote the all-round development and progress of the economy and people's livelihood.

(Top image: The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, October 24, 2018. /Xinhua Photo)