The Eighth Congress of Chinese Muslims opened Monday in Beijing for a four-day meeting that will see the election of a new committee and leaders for the Islamic Association of China (IAC).

Attended by more than 360 delegates from 10 ethnic groups representing the country's 20 million Muslims, the congress has received congratulations from senior officials including vice-chairman of the NPC Standing Committee Ismail Amat, vice-premier Hui Liangyu, and vice-chairpersons of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Liu Yandong and Bai Lichen.

"Chinese Muslims have played an important role in promoting China's economic growth, national unity and social stability," said Liu Yandong, adding they would continue to contribute to the process of building a well-off society and national prosperity.

Ye Xiaowen, director of the State Administration of Religious Affairs, said Chinese Muslims' patriotic spirit could accomplish much in building a harmonious and prosperous country.

Source: Xinhua