Vice-Premier Qian Qichen,
Vice-President Ma Man Kei
Minister Tang Jiaxuan,
Commissioner Yuan Tao,
Friends,


I am very pleased to be invited to the opening ceremony of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the MSAR. On behalf of the MSAR Government, I would like to express our warm congratulations to Commissioner Yuan Tao and his colleagues.

In accordance with the Basic Law, the MFA Office will deal with our foreign affairs. I am confident that the MFA Office, under the leadership of Mr. Yuan Tao, will give great support to the MSAR Government in its external relations and play a vital and active role in maintaining the stability and prosperity of Macau. I have full confidence that the MSAR Government and the MFA Office will work in close and harmonious cooperation.

Now, let me take this opportunity to wish everybody present here the best of everything in the new Millennium and good health.

Thank you.