In the evening of December 19, Ambassador Lyu Jian and Mrs.Lyu held a reception at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the return of Macao to the motherland. Nearly 400 people attended the event, including the First Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand, Suchart Tancharoen, Chairman of the Thailand-China Parliamentary Friendship Group, Navin Damrigan, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Jetsada Katavetin, Chief of Intelligence of the Headquarter of the Royal Thai army, Chief of Intelligence of the Headquarter of the Royal Thai navy, Chairman of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Thailand, Mr. Jitti Tangsithipakdee, Chairman of the Tio-Chew Association in Thailand, Dr. Sangchai Sotthavarakul and other high-level officials from political, military, business, and overseas Chinese sectors, as well as envoys of Portugal and other countries in Thailand, representatives of Chinese Enterprises, Overseas Chinese Students, and media.
In his speech, Ambassador Lyu said that over the past 20 years, since the return of Macao to the motherland, Macao has fully implemented the "one country, two systems" policy and the basic law, made great progress in economic, social, people's livelihood and other undertakings, and demonstrated the successful practice of "one country, two systems" with Macao’s characteristics to the world. Macao has experienced the best, fastest and most glorious period in history. Facts have fully proved that "one country, two systems" is fully feasible, achievable and popular. This system has changed the so-called fixed pattern in history, in which every land lost must be recovered in wars. "One country, two systems" is a new contribution made by the Chinese nation to world peace and development, and a pioneering undertaking of socialism with Chinese characteristics. It has been recognized at the Fourth Plenum of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China as a prominent strength of China's national system and governance, as it is conducive to the long-term stability and prosperity of Hong Kong and Macao and to the peaceful reunification of China. We will unswervingly implement and develop the "one country, two systems" policy, continue to promote Macao's integration into the overall situation of national development, deepen complementary advantages with the mainland, and expand international exchanges and cooperation.
Ambassador Lyu said that Thailand and Macao are geographically close and have maintained friendly exchanges for a long time. In recent years, the cooperation achievements in economy and trade, tourism, medicine and other fields have been constantly emerging, and institutional exchanges and visits have been frequent. Last year, Fernando Chui, chief executive of the Macao SAR, paid a successful visit to Thailand, and reached important consensus with Thailand on strengthening strategic connection and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation, which injected strong impetus into bilateral cooperation. With the strong support of the central government, Macao SAR is actively participating in the construction of the belt and road initiative (BRI) and the Greater Bay Area (GBA) of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao, so as to enhance Macao's position and function in China's economic development and opening up. We will continue to welcome all sectors of Thailand to seize the development opportunity of the "belt and road", actively participate in the construction of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, give full play to their own advantages, promote two-way cooperation, enhance mutual friendship, and add color to the picture of China-Thailand friendship. Ambassador Lyu also appreciated the Portuguese government's position for supporting the "one country, two systems" policy and expressed good expectations for China-Portugal relations.
The First Deputy Speaker Suchart Tancharoen warmly congratulated Macao on the 20th anniversary of its return to China and praised Macao for being one of the most dynamic cities in the global economy, the most stable society and the most happy city for the people. Macao's success is a vivid example of "one country, two systems". Thailand will continue to firmly develop relations with China, support "one country, two systems" and work with China to promote the construction of the "belt and road". It is believed that Macao will play a more important role in the construction of the "belt and road" between China and Thailand in the future. Portugal's Ambassador to Thailand said that Portugal-China relations will continue to be a model of harmonious coexistence between countries with different political systems and cultural traditions.
Before the reception, Ambassador Lyu and Mrs.Lyu accompanied the guests to visit the "Photo Exhibition in Celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Macao's Return to the Motherland" and watched the themed video. The guests praised Macao's great achievements after the return to the motherland and wished Macao a better tomorrow.
