Macau is the oldest European foothold in Asia. The Portuguese arrived in 1557 and were granted a concession by the Chinese Emperor under the terms of which they have administered the territory ever since. For navigators and traders, for explorers and travellers it remained through the centuries a haven of tolerance and conviviality. In recent years Macau has, after Portugal joined the EU in 1985 developed its links with Europe. It has also established a most commendable tradition of celebrating European Union Day each year on the 9th of May.

This year Macau organised a wonderful programme of festivities designed to stimulate its people's awareness of and enthusiasm for Macau's specific European legacy and its bond with the old world.

Exhibition booths offering information about Europe were opened in the city. The whole weekend was full of exciting events. The Macau Institute of European Studies held an international conference entitled "Global and Regional Regulation of International Trade" at the city's new Cultural Centre. Experts from Asia, Europe and the United States gathered to discuss topics including China's bid to join the World Trade Organisation, globalization and international trade matters.

On Europe Day itself, Macau's post office opened a kiosk of "Commemorative Post" and its clock played the European anthem, Beethoven's Ode to Joy, every hour. Music was also the order of the day at St. Domingo's Church, with performances by the Macau Police Band and the Macau Chamber Orchestra. Games took place in Senado Square, organised around the themes "Know Europe and the Euro" the single European currency, which was born on January 1 this year. Meanwhile, Macau's Portuguese Bookstore, staged an exhibition about the life and work of Jose Saramango, the Portuguese writer who won this year's Nobel Prize for Literature.

The Europe Day celebrations were an expressive manifestation of the strong ties that exist between the European Union and Macau. On May 28, the EU-Macau Joint Committee convened in Macau, the sixth annual conclave under the auspices of the EU-Macau Trade and Cooperation Agreement signed in 1992. This year's gathering was particularly important as it was the last before the transfer of sovereignty of the territory from Portugal to the People's Republic of China on December 20 this year.

The Macau delegation, led by Secretary for Economic Coordination Vitor Pessoa, and that of the EU, under Mr. Gerard Depayre, Deputy Director General responsible for East Asia, expressed their satisfaction at progress made in the development of issues of mutual interest. Such positive developments will allow for continuing and increased cooperation after the handover, as the EU-Macau Trade and Cooperation Agreement will remain in force, and the Joint Committee continue to meet, after the establishment of the Macau Special Administrative Region.

The EU side confirmed that its political objectives regarding Macau were two fold: to support the One-Country-Two-Systems policy and ensure the continuation of Macau's way of life, its institutions, including the rule of law and individual freedom, and its autonomy. Secondly to strengthen through cooperation programmes the second system so as to develop Macau's capacity to fulfil a special destiny as a historical regional centre and as a crucible for east-west exchanges.

The team leaders Mr. Gerard Depayre, Deputy Director General for External Relations, European Commission, and Mr. Vitor Pessoa, Secretary for Economic Coordination of the Macau government, meet the press after the sixth session of the EU-Macau Joint Committee on 28 May 1999. Macau Government

Acting Governor of Macau and Secretary for Economic Coordination Mr. Vitor Pessoa and Mr. Etienne Reuter, European Commission representative to Macau, exchange toasts at the Europe Day reception in Macau on 9 May 1999.

Ms Isabel Fezas Vital, Macau Coordinator for EU affairs, Sir Andrew Burns, British Consul-General and Father Rodrigues Lancelot, Director of Macau's Catholic Social Services, at the Europe Day reception in Macau.