Senior Chinese leaders on Sunday encouraged domestic religious groups to strengthen exchanges with their overseas counterparts and to play a more active role in promoting peace and development.

Wang Zhongyu, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made this remark here Sunday at a symposium celebrating the 10th anniversary of the China Committee on Religion and Peace (CCRP).

Jia Qinglin, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and chairman of the National Committee of CPPCC, attended thesymposium.

Wang spoke highly of the contributions the CCRP has made in thepast decade to the country's unity, minorities' harmony, social stability and world peace and development.

He said that the committee should further strengthen exchanges and cooperation with overseas religious groups, while adhering to the principle of "friendship, peace, development and cooperation."

Wang also said that it is important for the committee to keep vigilant and prevent foreign hostile elements from using religion to interfere with China's domestic affairs.

Ding Guangxun, vice-chairman of the National Committee of CPPCCand also the CCRP's chairman, said at the sympsosium that different religious groups in China should show respect to each other and enhance exchanges.

Leaders from Chinese Buddhist, Taoist, Islamic, Catholic and other religious groups also gave speeches at the symposium.