BEIJING, May 24 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday congratulated faculty and students of the Macau University of Science and Technology on the launch of the "Macao Science 1" space exploration satellites.

Xi extended his congratulations and encouragement in a reply letter to representatives of the faculty and students who took part in the research and development of the project.

In recent years, the deepening scientific and technological cooperation between Macao and the mainland in areas such as aerospace has achieved commendable results, Xi said, adding that efforts to make China a global leader in science and technology and to advance Chinese modernization have opened up broader prospects for Macao universities, and scientific and technological personnel.

He expressed the hope that faculty and students of the university would continue to carry forward the fine tradition of loving both the country and Macao, integrate their own development into the overall development of the country, and actively take part in the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Xi also called on them to contribute to Macao's efforts to appropriately diversify its economy as well as to the successful practice of "one country, two systems" in Macao.

The "Macao Science 1" satellites were launched on Sunday from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China. The faculty and students wrote a letter to Xi after the launch of the twin satellites.