Chinese President Xi Jinping on December 19 commended the historic achievements made by Macao in economic and social development.

Macaos economy registered the fastest growth and livelihoods witnessed the biggest improvement over the past two decades， Xi said in a speech delivered at a welcome banquet marking the 20th anniversary of Macaos return to China， which fell on December 20.

“The past 20 years are also a period that saw Macao compatriots share dignity of the great motherland and enjoy the greatest sense of glory，” said Xi.

Macaos historic achievements shall be attributed to the thorough implementation of the “one country， two systems” principle， strong support from the central government and the mainland， the Macao Special Administrative Region （SAR） governments active performance of duties， and concerted and strenuous efforts of people from all walks of life in Macao， Xi said.