BEIJING, Sept. 20 -- China's top political advisor Wednesday stressed the importance of uniting people from Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, as well as other overseas Chinese to make greater contributions to the country's development.

Yu Zhengsheng, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks while meeting with members of the Fourth Executive Council of China Overseas Friendship Association (COFA), which was celebrating its 20th anniversary in Beijing.

Yu spoke highly of the association's role in propelling China's reform, establishing close ties with overseas Chinese, and safeguarding state sovereignty, security and development interest over the past two decades.

Yu called on members of the association to uphold the principle of "one country, two systems," support the lawful governance of the respective chief executives and governments in Hong Kong and Macao, and promote communication with the mainland.

He also urged the association to adhere to the 1992 Consensus, which embodies the one-China principle, while opposing "Taiwan independence," and build closer ties with grassroots and young people in Taiwan.

"The association should also actively carry out public diplomacy to make China's stories and voices heard around the globe and build a friendship bridge between China and the world," Yu said.

Sun Chunlan, head of the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and president of COFA, also attended the meeting.