Top legislator Wu Bangguo said Wednesday that the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee fully recognizes the work that the government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) has done.

Wu made the comments while meeting with Chui Sai On, chief executive of the Macao SAR, after arriving in the region to attend anniversary celebrations marking the promulgation of the SAR's Basic Law.

The CPC Central Committee also appreciates the unity and hard work demonstrated by the people of Macao, Wu said after hearing a report by Chui.

Wu, chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, said the government of the Macao SAR should attach great importance to the region's long-term development and explore a development path that caters to local realities.

In a separate meeting with former chief executive of the Macao SAR Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Wu spoke highly of Ho's contributions to Macao's lasting peace, stability and prosperity.

The principle of "one country, two systems" has proved successful in Macao, as demonstrated by the achievements Macao has made in local construction and development, Wu said.

"We should continue to walk on that correct path," he said.

In the afternoon, Wu visited the construction site of a new campus of the University of Macao (UM) on Hengqin Island.

Hengqin Island is currently under the jurisdiction of Zhuhai, a city in Guangdong Province.

On June 27, 2009, the Standing Committee of the 11th NPC passed a bill to give the Macao SAR jurisdiction over 1.09 square kilometers of land on the eastern coast of the island to host the new UM campus.

Wu extended congratulations on the progress in the construction and noted that the project has served as an innovative model of the close cooperation between Macao and the mainland in fields including education, scientific research, city planning, social services and administrative management.

Wu also encouraged UM to work closely with the mainland's universities and institutions in cultivating talents.

Wednesday marks the first day of the top legislator's three-day visit to Macao to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the promulgation of the Macao SAR's Basic Law. During his visit, Wu is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech, attend celebration activities and meet local dignitaries.

The Basic Law of the Macao SAR was promulgated on March 31, 1993 and took effect on December 20, 1999, when the government of the People's Republic of China resumed exercising sovereignty over Macao. It has acted as the cornerstone of the region's political and legal systems.

(Xinhua News Agency February 20, 2013)