President Hu Jintao shakes hands with representatives at a meeting to honor organizations and individuals that have made outstanding contributions to improving public security in Beijing on May 23, 2005. (Xinhua Photo/Ma Zhancheng)

President Hu Jintao on Monday called for making continuous efforts to improve public security situation, stressing that China needs a harmonious and stable social environment for its development.

"The first 20 years of this century is an important strategic period for China's reforms and development," Hu said at a meeting to honor organizations and individuals that have made outstanding contributions to improving public security. "We need a stable social environment to realize our lofty goals in this period."

He described the present public security situation as "good in general", but noted there also "existed some problems that should not be ignored" and there are "heavy tasks" ahead.

Hu, who is also General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committees, asked all levels of the CPC committees and governments to pursue the scientific concept of development and the "correct view of achievements" and give emphasis to addressing various public security issues at their roots.

The scientific concept of development, which emphasizes putting people first and working hard for an all-round, coordinated and sustainable development.

Premier Wen Jiabao and Luo Gan, director of a committee on comprehensive improvement of public security, and other high-ranking officials also attended the meeting along with representatives of commended organizations and individuals.

Addressing the meeting, Luo Gan urged public security sector toset great store by relieving and dissolving various social contradictions.  

Editor: Yan