BEIJING, July 24 -- President Xi Jinping has called for promoting the volunteer spirit of dedication, friendship, mutual help and progress.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a congratulatory letter sent to the second congress of the China Volunteer Service Federation (CVSF).

While extending greetings to the volunteers, volunteer service organizations and volunteer service work staff, Xi spoke highly of their work that has helped others and contributed to the society since the 18th CPC National Congress.

Xi expressed his hope that the volunteers, volunteer service organizations and volunteer service work staff would make new achievements in the new era.

The CVSF should create conditions for volunteers and volunteer service organizations to serve others and contribute to the society, while CPC committees and governments at all levels should also work to provide more support for institutionalizing and regularizing volunteer service, he said.

Xi's letter was read out by Huang Kunming, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, at the CVSF congress Wednesday.

Huang called for efforts to pursue a model of volunteer service with Chinese characteristics and better serve the Party and the country's overall work, as well as the people's need for a better life.

The congress has elected a new leadership of the CVSF and endorsed its charter, as well as a work report and a financial report of the federation's first council.