1st LD-Writethru: Xi calls retired officials an important resource for CPC's governance

President Xi Jinping has noted that retired officials are an important resource for the Communist Party of China (CPC) to govern the country and lead China's development.

He called on retired officials to continue supporting strict Party governance and become role models accordingly.

Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a directive congratulating the opening of a meeting Friday honoring organizations and individuals for outstanding services for retired officials.

Xi praised retired officials' "deep emotion" and "utmost loyalty" to the Party, and their patriotic spirit.

Noting that services for retired officials embody the CPC Central Committee's care, Xi called on workers to learn from the role models, and to work diligently and heartedly.

Liu Yunshan, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, attended Friday's meeting and met with the role models.

Liu said that services for retired officials should add "positive energy" for the causes of the Party and the people.

He also called for careful implementation of policies to increase the senses of honor, identity and happiness for retired officials.

Zhao Leji, head of the CPC Central Committee's organization department, presided over the meeting and read Xi's directive.

A total of 106 groups and 306 individuals were awarded. Endi