A senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has urged local officials to contribute more to the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region.

He Guoqiang made the remark in meeting with officials from the Party, government and military of the region here on Tuesday as part of his participation in the region's 50th anniversary of its founding.

Act as the head of the delegation to the region and member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, He also asked the officials to speed up the development of the region.

In meeting with retired officials and military veterans living in the region, He appreciated their efforts and dedications to the region which had provided a strong base to its economic and social achievement.

The official also asked the military forces garrisoned in the region to keep in good form and keep peace and stability for the people.

Members of the delegation of the central government watched a performance and fireworks celebrating the region's founding anniversary on Tuesday evening.

(Xinhua News Agency September 24, 2008)