Top Chinese political advisor Jia Qinglin met deputies of the eighth session of the Chinese Islamic congress on Friday, urging them to play a positive role in building a harmonious society.

Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), called on the Islamic Association of China (IAC) to continue to unify and lead believers of Islam to contribute to China's modernization drive, when also meeting with the IAC's newly-inaugurated leaders.

He said he hoped they would explore effective ways for Islam to develop in line with the socialist society and "play a positive role in building a socialist harmonious society".

He called on the IAC leaders to convey the policies of the Communist Party to Muslims and carry out public welfare activities.

The eighth session, held from May 8 to 12 in Beijing, outlined tasks and objectives of the association in the next five years.

Source: Xinhua