Chinese President Xi Jinping said the central government and the Chinese people are proud of Macao's achievements and progress over the past 20 years and called for more efforts to work together for a better future.

Xi made the remarks after arriving in Macao on Wednesday afternoon.

"I am very happy to come to Macao again... In October, we held a grand celebration for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The 20th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland is another major event," Xi said while speaking to media reporters at Macao's airport.

He extended warm congratulations and best wishes to the Macao compatriots on the occasion.

"It is worthwhile to sum up the experience and characteristics of Macao in faithfully implementing 'One Country, Two Systems,'" Xi said. "We will join hands to draw the blueprint for Macao's future development."

The president will attend an event marking the occasion from Wednesday to Friday. He will also attend the inauguration ceremony for the fifth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) and inspect Macao.

During his stay, Xi is expected to announce policies to support the development of the city's emerging financial industry.

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Timeline: Key events since Macao's return to the motherland

(With input from Xinhua)