Xi arrives in Macao for anniversary celebrations, inspection tour

China

Xi arrives in Macao for anniversary celebrations, inspection tour

2024-12-18 19:51 Last Updated At：12-19 00:37

Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Macao on Wednesday afternoon on a special plane.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will attend a gathering celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Friday.

He will also inspect the Macao SAR.

In a brief speech delivered at the airport, Xi said every visit to this beautiful place has been very delightful for him.

He extended sincere greetings and best wishes to all Macao residents on behalf of the central government and Chinese people of all ethnic groups.

"Over the past 25 years, the practice of 'one country, two systems' with Macao characteristics has achieved success widely recognized by the world, showcasing great vitality and unique charm. The country has witnessed rapid and unstoppable development. Macao has been developed as the result of long-term accumulation and steady progress, and is advancing toward a greater future. This is the glory of the Macao residents and the pride of all the Chinese people," Xi said.

Describing Macao as "a pearl on the palm" of the motherland, he expressed confidence in the promising future of Macao.

"I believe that Macao will create an even brighter future by fully leveraging the institutional advantages of 'one country, two systems,' working hard and actively promoting innovation," Xi said.

Xi said that Macao's development and the well-being of Macao residents have always been on his mind, adding that he will have extensive and in-depth exchanges with friends from all walks of life in Macao on the region's development during the visit.

Damascus International Airport reopens for domestic flights after Assad's fall

2024-12-18 23:14 Last Updated At：23:37

Flight operations resumed at the Damascus International Airport in Syria's capital on Wednesday, following the recent fall of former President Bashar al-Assad's administration earlier this month.

A Syrian Airlines plane carrying passengers from Damascus landed in Aleppo of northern Syria, marking the first flight between the two cities days after the airport ceased flights.

"Today we are starting with an internal flight. Preparations at the Damascus airport are in full swing, including departments like immigration and civil aviation, to welcome Syrians living abroad who have fled the country, stayed displaced and want to return," said Saad Kheri Beik, operation manager of the Damascus International Airport, told reporters at the airport Wednesday.

Among the changes at the airport is the display of the Syrian flag, which has been switched from the previous two-star flag to a new one featuring three stars.

Currently there are still no international flights scheduled at the airport, given the uncertain security conditions across Syria.

Syria's border crossings remain closed as the newly-formed transitional government is trying to roll out new measures for the entry of both Syrians and foreigners.

A militant alliance led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group waged a major offensive from northern Syria on Nov 27 and had since swept southwards through areas held by al-Assad's government. Following territorial gains, including the capture of the capital Damascus, the alliance declared the end of al-Assad's rule on Dec 8.