Top Chinese political advisor Jia Qinglin on Saturday called for greater efforts by local religious circles in Hetian, in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, to contribute to the long-term stability and development of Xinjiang.

When meeting with representatives of local religious circles during his visit to Hetian, Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), listened to their advice and opinions.

Speaking highly of the contributions of patriotic religious personages, Jia said Party committees and governments at all levels in Xinjiang have always attached great importance to the education and cultivation of religious believers, showed care for their lives and work, and given great support to their religious activities.

Citing a roadmap outlined by the central work conference on Xinjiang's development held in May, Jia urged Xinjiang's religious circles to help consolidate national unity and harmonious religious relations.

Jia also asked them to resist and eliminate the influence of religious extremism in their religious activities.