MACAO, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- The past two decades saw Macao compatriots share the strongest sense of dignity and glory with the great motherland, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Thursday.

It was also a period of time when Macao's economy registered the fastest growth and livelihoods witnessed the biggest improvement, Xi said at a welcoming banquet held by the Macao Special Administrative Region government.

The president is in Macao for the celebrations of the 20th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland.