CRI听力:Premier promises staunch support for Macao

In a brief speech at the airport, Li Keqiang sent sincere greetings and wishes from the central government to Macao compatriots.

"This is the first time that I've come to Macao and see Macao compatriots here. I'm happy to see the smiling faces of the children at the airport, from which I can look into the city's bright future. By taking advantage of this opportunity, I would like to extend the sincere greetings and best wishes from the central government to Macao citizens."

As part of the speech, He also recalled attending the inauguration ceremony of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, about six years ago when he had looked at Macao from afar on the Lotus Flower Bridge in Zhuhai.

"Today, I myself step on the treasured soil of the lotus flower of the motherland, also a land that has seen the successful practice of the 'one country, two systems' principle. This time, I hope to see Macao's development, folk customs and daily life."

Macao was nicknamed the land of lotus in honor of its floral emblem.

The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is currently the world's longest cross-sea bridge.

The major construction work on the 55-km cross-sea route has been completed.

The bridge will cut travel time from Hong Kong to both Zhuhai and Macao from the current three hours by road or one hour by sea to a half hour drive.

High on his agenda in Macao will be the opening of the fifth Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

Li Keqiang will attend and deliver a keynote speech on the ocassion.

The premier said he just wants the whole world to know the great importance the Chinese central government attaches to the Special Administrative Region.

"I just want to show the world and people from all walks of life in Macao, that the central government supports the city as a tourism and leisure center and as a hub of commercial cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries."

During his time there, the Premier will also meet other Macao officials and hold bilteral talks with leaders attending the forum.

A set of policies and measures to help Macao speed up its economic development and maintain long-term prosperity and stability is expected to be announced during Li Keqiang's visit.