Macao dignitaries have applauded the leadership of the Communist Party of China for the special administrative region's long-term stability and prosperity over the past two decades.

They spoke at a symposium held at Macao Science Center on Friday -- a day after the Party celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding.

The event was attended by about 140 senior officials and representatives of various sectors and associations in the SAR. It was the highlight of a host of activities organized in Macao to mark the CPC's centenary.

Addressing the symposium, Chief Executive Ho Iat-seng stressed that a stable and prosperous Macao under "one country, two systems" wouldn't exist without the Party's leadership.

Thus, Macao should always respect and support the Party's leadership and promote the steady implementation of the "one country, two systems" principle with Macao characteristics.

Macao will remain steadfast in upholding the leadership of the CPC and won't allow any activities that challenge the authority of the central government, the Chinese Constitution and the Basic Law, Ho pledged.

Edmund Ho Hau-wah, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, said the CPC is the inventor, pioneer, leader, practitioner and defender of the cause of "one country, two systems".

Since its birth, the CPC's destiny and that of the Chinese people have become inextricably intertwined as it has led the Chinese people, including Macao compatriots, in creating a glaring Chinese miracle, he said.

Ho, who was Macao's first chief executive, said various sectors in Macao, under the leadership of the CPC, have been upholding "one country, two systems" in the past two decades and exploring new avenues to develop and enrich it.

He said the entire community should remember that the CPC always represents the firm core leadership guiding the Chinese nation in realizing national rejuvenation, and Macao should place itself in the right position in the country's overall development, strengthen cooperation with the Chinese mainland, shoulder its responsibilities and make a joint effort to achieve the nation's rejuvenation.

Fu Ziying, director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Macao Special Administrative Region, agreed that the successful implementation of "one country, two systems" in Macao is a crucial chapter in national rejuvenation and in the CPC's great achievements in the past century.

The fundamental reason that Macao residents support the CPC is that it has been upholding a people-centered principle, Fu said, adding that the Party cares about people's livelihood and has helped the city's residents to ride out crises and challenges.

He hopes that Macao will continue to implement the practice of "patriots administering Macao" well and further improve relevant laws and systems.

Lee Chong-cheng, president of the Macao Federation of Trade Unions, said members of various unions who had gathered to watch the live telecast of the grand ceremony in Beijing to commemorate the CPC's centenary on July 1, were inspired by President Xi Jinping's speech.

Lee believes that Macao will achieve even greater success under "one country, two systems" and embrace a brighter future under the CPC's leadership and through the joint efforts of different sectors.

Ho Teng-iat, chairperson of the General Women's Association of Macao, said history has shown that the Macao SAR's destiny is and should be closely intertwined with the CPC's leadership and the motherland's development.

Macao should proactively integrate into the nation's overall development, seize the opportunities brought by the Belt and Road Initiative and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and contribute to the nation's rejuvenation, she added.