Chinese State Councilor Liu Yandong Wednesday stressed the importance of providing accessible education to the public and urged teachers to serve as models for their students.

Chinese leaders Hu Jintao, Wen Jiabao, Li Changchun and Xi Jinping shake hands with representatives of outstanding teachers in Beijing, capital of China, on Sept. 9, 2009.

Liu made the remarks at a meeting with representatives of outstanding teachers in downtown Beijing, which was held on the eve of the country's 25th Teachers' Day.

At the same meeting, State President Hu Jintao, joined by other senior leaders including Wen Jiabao, Li Changchun and Xi Jinping, shook hands with representatives of outstanding teachers and extended festival greetings to all teachers in the country.

Educational reform and development is fundamental in ensuring citizens to have an equal access to quality education and promote their development in a comprehensive manner, Liu Yandong said in her speech.

She urged efforts to give priority to the development of education and introduce reform and innovation into the educational sector.

Liu called for the country's teachers to be devoted to their work, embrace innovation and serve as exemplary models for their students.

She also called on authorities at all levels to give more support to education, safeguard teachers' interests and upgrade the training for teachers, especially those in rural areas.