Chief Executive, Edmund Ho is to start his official visit to the European Union and Belgium on Monday, (18 June) to fortify Macau - Europe Relations.

This is the Chief Executive's first official visit to European Union after resuming his pose.

One of the purpose for this visit is to introduce to the top leaders of EU how Macau is doing after the handover, said the Chief Executive upon departure today (17).

"We would like to fortify the relations between Macau and Europe," said Mr. Ho, "and after this visit hopefully we will explore new dimension to the Relations".

During the visit, The Chief Executive will meet Romano Prodi, President of the European commission/; Christopher Patten, European Commissioner Responsible for External Relations and Antonio Vitorino, European Commissioner for Justice and Home Affairs.

The Chief Executive will also meet Prince Philippe, The Crown Prince Of Belgium/; Hon De Croo, President of the Chamber of Representatives of Belgium and Annemie Neyts- Uyttebroeck, Deputy Secretary of State to Foreign Affairs Ministry of Belgium.

Mr. Ho will also pay visit to the Institute of European Studies, the Seghers Technology Group, Macau Economic and Trade Office in Brussels and the building of the European Parliament.

Members of the delegation are:

Susana Chou, President of the Legislative Assembly/; Florinda da Rosa Silva Chan, Secretary for Administration and Justice/; Vitor Ng, Ma Iao Lai, Liu Chak Wan, Members of the Executive Council/; Anabela Ritchie, Stanley Au Chong Kit, David Liu Yuk Lun, Deputy of the Legislative Assembly/; Raimundo Rosá/;rio, Head of Macau Economic & Trade Office in Brussels/; Maria do Cé/;u Esteves, President of Macau Institute of European Studies/; Victor Chan Chi Ping, Director of Macau Government Information Bureau/; Daniel Fung Sio Weng, Chief of Protocol, Adviser of the Office of the Chief Executive and Gabriela Cesar, Deputy Head of Macau Economic and Trade Office in Lisbon.