The Chinese central government will continue to support the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) in its exchanges and cooperation with Portuguese-speaking countries in line with the Basic Law of the SAR, says the Chinese Foreign Ministry Thursday.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang made the remarks when asked to comment on Macao's role in relations between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

"Macao plays a unique and constructive role in promoting economic and trade cooperation between the Chinese mainland and Portuguese-speaking countries," said Qin.

In the past decade, the principles of "one country, two systems," "Macao people governing Macao," and "a high degree of autonomy" were fully implemented in the region, Qin told a regular news briefing.

Macao SAR would surely have a better future with the support of "one country, two systems," he said.

As the 10th anniversary of the SAR approached, Macao was actively expanding foreign exchanges, deepening regional cooperation and committed to building a global tourism and recreation center and regional business and trade service platform, Qin said.

"Macao will surely be better off under the principle of 'one country, two systems' and with the concerted effort of local residents and the support of the international community."

China resumed the exercise of sovereignty over Macao on Dec. 20, 1999. Chui Sai On, chief executive-elect of Macao SAR, will be officially inaugurated next month.