BEIJING, April 21 (Xinhua) -- The newly elected leadership of the Buddhist Association of China is expected to unite followers and work to achieve the Chinese dream, said China's top political advisor on Tuesday.

Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks at a meeting with the association's new leaders, who were elected at a national conference that closed Tuesday.

The association should fully implement the religious policies of the Communist Party of China and play a constructive role in the country's economic and social development, Yu said.

Buddhist leaders should study the guidelines of President Xi Jinping's important speeches and serve the greater interests of the Party and country, he said.

They should uphold patriotism, hold correct political views and firmly safeguard the interests of the country and people, he said.

The association is encouraged to promote positive Buddhist teaching and participate more in charity work.

It should strengthen international exchanges to serve the strategy of the Belt and Road Initiative and help create a favorable external environment for China's development, he said.

Yu urged the association to tighten internal discipline and improve training of religious leaders.

Master Xuecheng, abbot of Famen Temple in northwest China's Shaanxi Province, was elected as the association's president along with 32 new vice presidents.