Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met with Edmund Ho Hau Wah, chief executive of China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), and gave him the signed decree from the State Council appointing Ho to a second term.

According to the decree issued on Sept. 1, Ho's second term as Macao SAR chief executive will begin on December 20, 2004.

Premier Wen congratulated on Ho and affirmed his performance in his first term. He praised Ho's contribution to Macao's social stability and economic development, which progressed in line with the "one country, two systems" principle and the Basic Law of Macao SAR.

Macao has realized social stability, a secure and comfortable life for its residents and sustainable, fast economic development, he said.

Under Ho's leadership, Macao has changed a lot since its return to the motherland in 1999, when it had suffered four years of negative growth and serious public security issues, Wen pointed.

He hoped that in Ho's second term he will promote coordinated economic development and social comprehensive progress. These two accomplishments will give a solid base to Macao's long-term prosperity, stability and development.

The central government will stick to the "one country, two systems" principle and support Macao SAR in performing its duty in line with the basic law, said Wen.

Ho said he was thankful to be re-appointed by the central government. He promised to administer by laws and unite different social estates in order to promote living standards of the citizens of Macao.

He was elected as the first chief executive of the Macao SAR on May 15, 1999. He took office on December 20, 1999.

(Xinhua News Agency September 20, 2004)