MACAO -- President Xi Jinping said Macao compatriots have always had firm confidence in "one country, two systems" as he summed up Macao's important experience in successfully practicing the principle.

Xi made the remarks Friday while addressing a gathering in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland.

Xi said the vitality and strength of "one country, two systems" will fully show as long as there is a firm belief in the principle and earnest practice of it.

He said Macao compatriots have firmly kept "one country, two systems" in the correct direction as he summed up Macao's important experience in successfully practicing the principle.

Xi said "one country" is the prerequisite and basis of "two systems."

Only by ensuring no distortion of the "one country, two systems" practice can the cause of "one country, two systems" go far and steady, Xi said.

Xi said Macao compatriots firmly shoulder their responsibilities as he summed up Macao's important experience in successfully practicing "one country, two systems."

Macao compatriots are capable of shouldering the mission of the times to govern, build and develop the Macao Special Administrative Region well, Xi said.

President Xi said patriotism is the most important reason for Macao's success in the "one country, two systems" practice.

Macao compatriots have a tradition of patriotism, as well as a strong sense of national identity, belonging and national pride, firmly consolidating the social and political foundation for "one country, two systems," Xi said.

President Xi said he believes that the Chinese people, including compatriots in Hong Kong and Macao, have the wisdom and capability to better practice "one country, two systems."

The "one country, two systems" principle, proposed in the 1980s, is feasible, workable and popular with the people, Xi said at a gathering in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland.

"Of course, the principle needs consistent perfection through practice," he said.

The undertaking of "one country, two systems" will be perfected and the special administrative regions will be governed in an even better fashion, Xi said.

The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will not be stopped. The path of common development and prosperity of Hong Kong, Macao and the mainland will be even wider, he said.