Macao media have contributed to local people's better understanding of the motherland as well as to the prosperity and stability of Macao, said a senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official here Wednesday.

Li Changchun, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remark during a meeting with a delegation of Macao Chinese-language media, led by President Li Chengjun of Macao Daily.

News media, as important forces to boost social progress, should safeguard social interests and the national fundamental and long-term interests, Li Changchun said.

He expressed the hope that Macao media would keep to the stance of patriotism and loving Macao, and enhance exchanges with the Chinese mainland.

Li Chengjun said the development of Macao is inseparable from the development of the mainland, and he hoped the mainland modernization drive will score still greater achievements. Moreover, he added, Macao media will continue to support the Macao special administrative regional (SAR) government's administration by law.

(Xinhua News Agency September 18, 2003)