China's top political advisor on Monday said the Chinese government supports domestic Buddhist circles and world Buddhist communities carrying out friendly exchanges, promoting people-to-people connectivity, and working together to create a better world.

Wang Yang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee, sent a congratulatory letter to the Fifth World Buddhist Forum, which opened in Putian, east China's Fujian Province.

In his letter, Wang said Buddhism should make positive contributions to promoting world peace, enhancing the well-being of humanity, building a community of shared future for mankind, and creating a better future for all of us.

You Quan, a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee and head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, addressed the opening ceremony.

You hoped Buddhist communities would look deeper into Buddhism values and contribute wisdom to promoting the well-being of humanity and safeguarding world peace.

Over 1,000 Buddhists, scholars and representatives from 55 countries and regions attended the opening ceremony of the forum, jointly hosted by the Buddhist Association of China and the China Religious Culture Communication Association.

The World Buddhist Forum was initiated by Buddhist circles in the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao in 2005.