25th Anniversary of Macau's Return to the Motherland

According to CCTV News, on December 18, 2024, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian presided over a regular press conference. CCTV reporter asked, on December 20th, Macau will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its return to the motherland. How to evaluate the achievements of Macau's foreign exchanges and cooperation since its return

Lin Jian stated that in the 25 years since Macao's return to the motherland, the "One Country, Two Systems" practice with Macao's characteristics has achieved remarkable results, the constitutional order established by the Constitution and Macao Basic Law has been firmly established, the economy has developed rapidly, people's livelihoods have continued to improve, and society is harmonious and stable

With strong support from the central government, Macau actively engages in foreign exchanges and cooperation, and its global "circle of friends" is growing. The number of Macau's participation in international organizations and institutions has increased to over 190, and it has received visa free or visa on arrival treatment from 147 countries and regions. There are over 750 multilateral treaties applicable to Macau, and nearly 60 agreements signed with foreign countries. Macao has established stable economic, trade, and cultural connections with over 120 countries and regions, and the number of sister cities has increased to 13. In 2023, the total import and export volume of Macao and the countries jointly building the "the Belt and Road" will reach nearly 30 billion yuan, a record. Macao fully leverages the role of a "precise contact person" for Portuguese speaking countries, hosting six consecutive ministerial level meetings and one special ministerial level meeting of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese speaking Countries, to facilitate exchanges and cooperation between China and Portuguese speaking countries. In addition, Macao has also won many awards such as "City of Creative City Food", "City of East Asian Culture", "Best Asian Conference City", "Best Conference and Business City", and "Macao Historical Buildings" has been included in the The World Heritage List, which has significantly improved Macao's international popularity

Looking ahead to the future, we believe that with strong support from the central government and mainland China, as well as joint efforts from the Macau SAR government and various sectors of society, Macau will continue to write a new chapter in the successful practice of "One Country, Two Systems" and continuously polish its "golden calling card" as an international metropolis