President Xi Jinping praised Ho Hau-wah and Chui Sai-on, former chief executives of the Macao Special Administrative Region, on Thursday for their contributions to maintaining the prosperity and stability of the region, during a meeting with them in Macao.

Since Macao's return to the motherland 25 years ago, it has undergone significant changes, with its achievements being evident to all, Xi said.

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He commended Ho, who is now vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and Chui for their efforts during their tenures to lead the SAR government and people from various sectors of society in Macao in steadfastly upholding national security and promoting the prosperity and stability of the region, saying that they laid a solid foundation for Macao's long-term development.

Xi expressed the hope that they would support the new chief executive and the new SAR government, support the development and expansion of patriotic forces, promote exchanges and cooperation between Macao and the Chinese mainland, and continue to contribute to the enduring success of the practice of "one country, two systems".

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Ho and Chui expressed their commitment to serving Macao and the country, pledging full support for the new chief executive and the new SAR government in leading people from all sectors of society to create a new chapter in Macao's development.