Beijing, November 30 (KCNA) -- Hu Jintao, president of China, mentioned the importance of the relief of poverty in a speech in the central meeting for the development of famine aid in Beijing on Nov. 29.

It is of a great significance in defending the basic interests of the popular masses, consolidating the ruling groundwork of the party and ensuring the durable stability of the country to conduct the famine relief in an organized manner, he said.

He set it as a general goal to have the food and clothing problem of the poor settled and provide them with compulsory education, fundamental medical service and houses until 2020. He stressed the need for the party committees at all levels and the government to grapple this work and carry it out.