Extending a warm welcome, Chui said he was sincerely grateful to Xi and the central government for their care for Macao as well as their trust in and support for himself.

With the strong support of the central authorities, the Macao SAR government and people from all walks of life have in recent years made earnest efforts in advancing Macao's prosperity and stability while developing an appropriately diversified economy, Chui said, pledging his utmost support for the new SAR government in exercising law-based governance and his due contributions to Macao and the country.

Xi arrived here on Wednesday afternoon to attend a gathering marking the 20th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration of the Macao SAR's fifth-term government. He will also inspect the SAR.