Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a speech at a welcome banquet marking the 20th anniversary of Macao's return to China, in south China's Macao, Dec. 19, 2019. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)

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

Macao's 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 Macao's return to China, which falls on Friday.

"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.

Macao's 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) government's active performance of duties and concerted and strenuous efforts of people from all walks of life in Macao, Xi said.

"I have deeply felt the fast changes in Macao since my last visit here five years ago. Macao compatriots, as masters of their own house, are in high spirits. The Macao SAR's steps forward are firm and strong," he said.

Xi praised the Macao SAR government and the people of Macao for combining the requirements of the "one country, two systems" principle with Macao's conditions and for their courage to explore and innovate.

He said the Macao practice of "one country, two systems" has new commendable aspects: "Loving the motherland and loving Macao" becoming a core value of the whole community, the authority of the Constitution and the Basic Law being firmly upheld, the executive-led system functioning smoothly, Macao actively integrating itself into the national development, and social inclusiveness and harmony creating great power to unite the people of Macao.

Xi said the Chinese nation has achieved a tremendous transformation: it has stood up, grown rich, and is becoming strong.

"This is an era of great development and great achievements for the Chinese nation and also an era of common prosperity and common progress for Macao and the mainland," he said.

Xi expressed his firm belief that the practice of "one country, two systems" with Macao characteristics will surely achieve greater success, with Macao compatriots making greater contribution to the realization of national rejuvenation.

Macao SAR Chief Executive Chui Sai On in his speech said "the most valuable" experience in Macao's successful practice of "one country, two systems" is "the full and accurate implementation of the Constitution and the Basic Law."

The key is to accurately understand and wholeheartedly uphold the political system and core values of the country, Chui said.

Held by the Macao SAR government, the banquet was also attended by Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Ho Hau Wah, Chief Executive of Hong Kong SAR Carrie Lam, incoming chief executive of Macao SAR Ho Iat Seng, leading officials of the Macao SAR government and representatives of all walks of life in Macao.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, joins main cast members in singing a patriotic song to deliver wishes for the motherland's prosperity and Macao's brighter future while attending a grand gala in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland, in south China's Macao, Dec. 19, 2019. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday evening attended a grand gala in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, was present at the variety show in the Macao East Asian Games Dome.

Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan, accompanied by Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Chief Executive Chui Sai On and his wife Fok Wai Fun, arrived at the dome at around 8:00 p.m.

Beginning with southern Guangdong lion dance, the gala included performance of classical songs expressing love for the motherland and Macao, a multimedia show displaying the glorious achievements of Macao in the past 20 years, as well as traditional operas and Portuguese-style dances depicting Macao's unique charm of a combination of Chinese and Western cultures.

At the end of the gala, Xi, accompanied by Chui and incoming Macao SAR Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng, stepped onto the stage and shook hands with main cast members. Xi also joined them in singing a patriotic song to deliver wishes for the motherland's prosperity and Macao's brighter future.