BEIJING, Dec. 8 -- China's top legislator Zhang Dejiang on Monday urged Macao's new government to continue fully implementing the "one country, two systems" principle.

Zhang, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), made the remarks at a meeting with Chui Sai On, chief executive of Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).

Zhang praised the performance of officials in the current Macao SAR government, whose terms will end on Dec. 19.

He said he expects the new government to be fully aware of challenges ahead, continue implementing the "one country, two systems" principle and abide by the Basic Law.

In the past 15 years since Macao returned to the motherland, the region has achieved notable economic and social progress through the hard work of all Macao people and with support from the central government, Zhang said.

Chui is in Beijing to attend an exhibition on the development of Macao for the 15th anniversary of the Macao SAR's founding.

He took office in 2009 and was re-elected as Macao SAR chief executive in August.