MACAO, Dec. 20 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday met with principal officials of the fourth-term government and heads of legislative and judicial organs of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).

The meeting was held after Xi attended a grand gathering to mark the 15th anniversary of Macao's return to China and a swearing-in ceremony of the fourth-term government of the Macao SAR.

The new SAR government faces high expecations from the entire society, Xi said, urging them to ensure a smooth transition of work.

Xi also called on the officials to perform their duties strictly under the Basic Law, defend the authority of the chief executive, and ensure the smooth operation of the regions' administrative, legislative and judicial bodies.

The president encouraged the officials to address top concerns of the Macao people and be brave to crack the hard nut in the development progress of the SAR.

Xi said he believed that with the support of the central government, the strong leadership of the chief executive and the hard work of the new government, Macao will open a new chapter of prosperity and stability.