President Hu calls for inclusive, harmonious society in Macao

President Hu Jintao on Monday said stability should be maintained in Macao and that an "inclusive and harmonious society" should be built in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).

Hu, who arrived here Sunday on a two-day trip, made the call during a celebration gathering marking the 5th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inauguration of the second-term government of the Macao SAR.

"As long as Macao's overall and long-term interests and China's national interests are truly cherished, Macao can achieve a broad-based unity in its society and make concerted efforts to usher in an even brighter future for the Macao people," Hu said.

He said it is necessary to promote greater unity on the basis of loving the country and loving Macao among all social strata, sectors and communities, and maintain and consolidate general harmony in society.

"All citizens, regardless of their stratum, circle and religion,can and should unite for the grand goals of loving the motherland, loving Macao and maintaining Macao's long-term prosperity and stability," he added.

Hu said even if there are temporary differences on certain issues, rational debates can be conducted in a spirit of mutual accommodation and seeking common ground while reserving differences.