MACAO – Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed his confidence in Sam Hou-fai, who was sworn in as the sixth-term chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region on Friday.

While meeting with Sam in the SAR, the Chinese leader said he is confident that Sam will lead the SAR's new government and people from all walks of life in comprehensively, accurately and unwaveringly implementing the principle of "one country, two systems" under which the people of Macao administer Macao with a high degree of autonomy.

He expressed the belief that Macao will firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, vigorously promote appropriate economic diversification, and continuously improve public well-being.

He also voiced his conviction that Macao will leverage its unique position and advantages to better integrate into overall national development and deepen exchanges and cooperation with other countries and regions.

“The central government will fully support the chief executive and the Macao SAR government in fulfilling their duties," said Xi.

Sam expressed his gratitude to Xi and the central government for the trust.

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He pledged to lead the new SAR government in breaking new ground for the successful practice of "one country, two systems" in Macao.

President Xi also met new officials of the executive, legislative and judicial organs of the SAR.

Noting that the governance team of the sixth-term Macao SAR government is young and energetic with high morale, the president expressed his confidence that they will bear in mind their oath, fulfill their mission, be accountable to both the country and Macao, and deliver outstanding results that will make the nation, Macao and themselves proud.

Xi urged the new team to keep in mind the country's fundamental interests and Macao's overall interests. They should also firmly safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, he told them.

He called on them to do solid work with a greater sense of responsibility, vigorously promote appropriate economic diversification, foster a more favorable business environment, and maintain stability and harmony in Macao.

The team headed by the SAR's chief executive should enhance unity and cooperation, Xi said, urging them to strengthen cross-domain and inter-departmental coordination to improve governance efficiency.

He also stressed the need to maintain integrity and honesty, always bear in mind the livelihood of Macao residents, use power prudently, and serve as upright officials who bring benefits to the people.

Apart from the new Macao CE, Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Xia Baolong, director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and other senior officials attended the meeting.

Earlier in the day, President Xi administered the oath of office to Sam as the new chief executive of the Macao SAR at the Macao East Asian Games Dome in Macao. He also swore in principal officials of the sixth-term Macao SAR government.

Xi visited Macao from Wednesday to Friday for celebrations of the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland, the inauguration of the sixth-term government of the SAR, and an inspection tour of the region.

He left Macao on a special plane on Friday afternoon wrapping up his visit.