BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday underlined the importance of gender equality, calling for full play to be given to the role of women in order to help achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Xi made the remarks while meeting with the newly elected leadership of the All-China Women's Federation.

The president also expressed his congratulations and greetings to the new leadership following the 11th National Women's Congress, which concluded in Beijing's Great Hall of the People on Thursday.

Xi said that China has attached great importance to gender equality in different periods of development over recent decades.

Noting that China is facing a more arduous task in economic and social development, he said that the country needs more contributions and wisdom from women than ever before.

Xi called for the process of China's development to be integrated with promotion of gender equality, which will ensure women to exercise their rights of democracy in accordance with law, take part into economic and social development and share the fruits of reform.

The president asked women's federation officials at all levels to learn more about the situation at grassroots level in order to better help women.

Xi urged authorities at all levels to attach more importance and offer more assistance to women's federations, to improve the environment for women to develop livelihoods, and to severely punish those who infringe on women's rights.

Shen Yueyue, vice chairwoman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, was reelected president of the All-China Women's Federation on Wednesday.