Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), on Thursday urged Buddhists to make a positive contribution to kinder human relations, greater social harmony and a more peaceful world.

In a letter to congratulate the opening of the Third World Buddhist Forum in Hong Kong, Jia asked the participating masters to use the occasion to exchange experience in religious practices, find more cultural resources, expound the inner meanings of Buddhist teachings and explore solutions to the common problems facing mankind.

Zhu Weiqun, deputy head of the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, read out Jia Qinglin's message at the Third World Buddhist Forum.

Jia's message was read out at the conference by Zhu Weiqun, deputy head of the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

The World Buddhist Forum has grown to become an important platform to promote Buddhism and advance peace around the world. The theme of this forum -- common aspirations and actions towards a harmonious world -- will surely galvanize Buddhists in all countries to work hand in hand towards a world of durable peace and common prosperity, Jia said in the letter.

Buddhism occupyies a key place in the development of human civilizations and cultures of many countries. It has become an important part of Chinese tradition since its introduction into China and its integration with the Chinese culture, Jia said.

The World Buddhist Forum has grown to become an important platform to promote Buddhism and advance peace around the world. More than 1,000 eminent monks, scholars and others from around 50 countries and regions attended Thursday's opening ceremony.

Co-founded by the four Chinese regions -- the mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao, the World Buddhism Forum is aimed at building an equal and open platform for high-level dialogues in the world of Buddhism.

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