The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, met the President of the Republic of Slovakia, Mr Ivan Gašparovič, who arrived today for a two-day visit.

In the evening Mr Gašparovič arrived at Santa Sancha, the official guest house where the Chief Executive meets important visitors, for a courtesy call, and was warmly received by Mr Chui.

During the meeting, Mr Chui welcomed Mr Gašparovič’s visit and briefed him on the latest social and economic development in Macao.

Mr Gašparovič said that he was invited by President Hu Jintao to visit China when President Hu was in Slovakia last year. Speaking about his visit, Mr Gašparovič said he would like to look for opportunities for co-operation.

Mr Chui hosted a reception for Mr Gašparovič after the meeting, which was also attended by the Secretary for Economy and Finance, Mr Tam Pak Yuen, Member of Economic Development Council, Mr Tsui Wai Kwan, the Secretary-General of the Executive Council and Advisor of the Office of the Chief Executive, Ms O Lam, Advisor of the Office of the Chief Executive, Mr Fung Sio Weng, and the personal assistant to the Chief Executive, Ms Tam Ka Wa.

Mr Gašparovič arrived in Macao about noon and visited several attractions afterwards. He is scheduled to visit the Institute for Tourism Studies tomorrow before leaving on a special flight.