BEIJING - Vice President Xi Jinping has called on Party and government departments at all levels to offer more respect and care for the country's retired cadres.

Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks Thursday at a meeting to honor outstanding individuals and groups working in retired cadres affairs.

"Retired cadres had made historic contributions to our country in various stages including the revolution, construction and reformation periods, and we should respect and care for them as the treasures of the Party and learn from their fine traditions and working styles," said Xi.

Xi pledged to improve the policies concerning retired cadres' pensions, medical insurance and their political status in order to ensure a "peaceful and happy" life for them.

In addition, Xi expressed the hope that retired cadres could make further contributions in their late years by spreading their knowledge and creating a good image for newcomers.