Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji has called for effective management of religious affairs, saying this would better serve the country's reform and development.

During an inspection visit to the State Administration of Religious Affairs Friday, Zhu said the management of religious affairs has always been an important part of the overall work of both the Communist Party of China and the government.

Thanking the administration staff for the good job they had done in the past years, Zhu said the harmony between people who believe in religions and those who don't, and the unity and stability within the religious circle have created a favorable condition for China's reform and modernization drive.

He stressed that the Party's policy that the people enjoy the freedom of religious belief should be well implemented and religious affairs should be handled according to law.

While protecting the legal activities of religious followers, illegal religious activities must be stopped and crime committed be punished, Zhu said.

The Chinese religious circle's fine tradition of loving the country and serving society should be further encouraged to reinforce the unity of the nation.

The premier called on governments at all levels to support the work related to religious affairs and help all religious believers in overcoming difficulties in their daily life so that they can contribute to the development and prosperity of the country.

(Xinhua News Agency January 13, 2003)