MACAO: President Hu Jintao said here on Sunday that the cause of "one country, two systems" is an important part of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, stressing that "the great motherland is always a strong back-up force for the prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao."

Hu, also general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks when delivering an important speech at the celebration gathering marking the 10th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland.

The central government will remain firmly committed to the principles of "one country, two systems", "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong","Macao people governing Macao" with a high degree of autonomy.

The central government will continue to act in strict accordance with the basic laws of the Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR and give full support to the chief executives and governments of the Hong Kong SAR and Macao SAR in their governance according to law, he said.

The president pledged that all policies adopted by the central government on Hong Kong and Macao always adhere to the principles of benefiting the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao, the improvement of the livelihood of all residents in Hong Kong and Macao as well as benefiting the common development of Hong Kong, Macao and the country.

Before his speech, the president administered the swearing-in ceremony of the Macao SAR Chief Executive Fernando Chui Sai On, principal officials of the SAR government and members of the Executive Council.

The return of Macao to the motherland fulfilled the common aspiration of the people of all ethnic groups of the nation, including the Macao compatriots, said Hu.

The event opens a new chapter in the history of Macao and is an important milestone in the development of the Chinese nation, he noted.

Hu said that the past decade after Macao's return to the motherland witnessed the successful practice of "one country, two systems" in Macao, the smooth implementation of the Basic Law of the Macao SAR and the constant progress made by Macao people of all circles in pursuing a development road that conforms to Macao's realities.

"Important inspiration can be obtained by reviewing the uncommon process of the past decade since Macao's return to the motherland," said Hu.

First of all, it is imperative to have a full and correct understanding and implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle, he said, noting that the key is to realize the most extensive unity under the banner of loving the motherland and loving Macao.

Hu noted that "one country, two systems" is a complete concept, with "one country" closely linked with "two systems."