Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji stressed January 11 that leading officials should put emphasis on religious issues and religious work so as to ensure the success of reform and modernization.

The premier made the remarks while meeting at the Great Hall of the People with representatives attending a national gathering of religious officials.

In a country that boasts over 100 million of religious followers, it is extremely important to rally them around the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CPC), the government and the modernization drive, Zhu noted.

The party and the central government have attached importance to religious work, and the party has always stressed the importance of the freedom of religious belief and the proper management of religious affairs.

Leading officials at all levels of the party and government should pay enough attention to religious issues, support religious work and enthusiastically carry out the religious policies of the party, Zhu said.

During the meeting, Zhu spoke highly of the religious circle's efforts in promoting the country's political stability, economic development, ethnic unity and national reunification.

The premier also called on the religious circle to make new contributions to the great cause of building socialism with Chinese characteristics.