As the flags of both the People's Republic of China and the Macau SAR were raised today at 00:OOam during the Handover Ceremony, it signified the end of the Portuguese administration of Macau, and the retum of Chinese sovereignty in Macau.

Chinese President Jiang Zemin and Portuguese President Jorge Sampajo both delivered their speeches at the ceremony held at midnight on the 1 ~h of December and into the early hours of the 2Oth of December. The whole event was broadcast worldwide live via sateilite.

The ceremony took place at the venue of the Handover Ceremony, and 2,500 guests attended the event, including several officials from foreign affairs of different countries and other VIPs. More than 200 media people from different countries were also present.

The Chinese government was represented by President Jiang Zemin, Premier of State Council Zhu Rongji, Vice-Premier of State Affairs Tang Jiaxuan and the Macau SAR Chief Executive Edmund Ho.

The Portuguese government on the other hand was represented by President Jorge Sampaio, Prime Minister António Guterres, Minister ofForeign Affairs Jaime Gama and former Macau Governor Vasco Rocha Vieira.

Before midnight of the 19th of December, as the Portuguese Anthem was being played, the Portuguese National Flag was lowered at the Macau Leal Senado, bringing to an end centuries of Portuguese rule in Macau.

At 2Oth December 00:00am, as the Chinese National Anthem was played, the Chinese National Flag and the Macau SAR Flag was solemnly raised.

Both Portugal and China sent Honor of Guards and for the ceremony. The entire ceremony began at 11:42pm, and ended at 00:1 7am.

Afier the ceremony, President Jiang Zemin and President Jorge Sampaio shook hands and lefi the handover venue.

20 December 1999