Hu, Xi meet delegates to 18th CPC National Congress

President Hu Jintao, Xi Jinping, the newly elected general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, also chairman of the CPC Central Military Commission, other members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the 17th CPC Central Committee and other members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the 18th CPC Central Committee met with all delegates to the 18th CPC National Congress Thursday afternoon.

Hu Jintao, Xi Jinping, Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, He Guoqiang, Zhou Yongkang, Li Keqiang, Zhang Dejiang, Yu Zhengsheng, Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan and Zhang Gaoli had group pictures taken with over 2,600 delegates, specially invited delegates and observers to the party congress at the Great Hall of the People in central Beijing.

Hu and Xi greeted the delegates, who in turn extended their sincere greetings to them and other leaders.

Hu and Xi gave important speeches, which both received lasting applauds.

Hu said that thanks to the joint efforts of all the delegates, the 18th CPC National Congress was held smoothly and successfully. It was a meeting at which the banners were held high, a meeting for carrying on the past and opening a new chapter, a meeting of unity and enterprising spirit.

Hu said studying and implementing the spirit of the Party congress is the top political task at present.

Hu called on all Party members, the military forces and Chinese people of various ethnic groups to follow the lead of the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping as the general secretary, firmly pursue the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, free up the mind, carry out reform and opening up, pool strength, overcome all difficulties, strive for the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects and achieve new victories for socialism with Chinese characteristics.

The victories belongs to our great Party, our great motherland and our great people, Hu said.

Xi Jinping said that the CPC leadership with Hu Jintao as the General Secretary, rallying Chinese people of all ethnic groups, has made significant achievements that attract attention of the world.

Xi said that for continuously advancing the Party and the people's cause, Hu Jintao, Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, He Guoqiang and Zhou Yongkang have taken the lead to retire from leading posts of the CPC Central Committee, exhibiting their nobility of characters.

"We have high respect for them," said Xi.

Xi said that what Hu had said is forceful, affectionate and inspires people to advance boldly.

"We will bear in mind what Hu has entrusted us, conscientiously study, publicize and implement the spirit of the 18th CPC National Congress," said Xi, calling for solidarity and hard work in striving for a moderately prosperous society in all respects.