The CPC Central Committee has attached great importance to youth work and has put forward the country's first youth development plan, Xi said.

The Party's leadership over youth work must be enhanced, Xi said, adding that the fundamental task of the Communist Youth League of China is to cultivate people who are well prepared to join the socialist cause.

The president called on the country's young to have firm beliefs, be courageous to innovate, work hard and have high morality.

Calling the Communist Youth League of China the assistant and reserve for the Communist Party of China, Xi said the league should guide young people to address problems with Marxist methods.

The league should encourage young people to follow the instructions of the Party and strive for more achievements in the new era, Xi said.

Xi told the league to serve the young people, help young people address problems and become young people's trustworthy friend.

The league should focus more on the development of its grassroots organizations in the process of deepening institutional reform, Xi said.

A statement released after the closing meeting of the Communist Youth League of China's 18th national congress on Friday said 170 central committee members and 129 alternate members were elected.