President Hu Jintao yesterday pledged clean governance and appropriate use of power to serve the people.

The country's new leadership will keep to the principle of "putting people first," respect the people's status, exert their pioneering spirit and safeguard their rights and interests, he said.

Hu was making a closing address to the First Session of the 11th National People's Congress, China's top legislature, which ended in Beijing yesterday.

Nearly 3,000 deputies from throughout the country attended the session which began on March 5.

They endorsed the report of government work delivered by Premier Wen Jiabao, along with other important reports, and set forth the major tasks and work plans for this year and the five years to come.

They also endorsed the new leadership of the country, with Hu re-elected state president, Wu Bangguo re-elected chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, and Wen Jiabao re-appointed premier.

A new NPC Standing Committee and line-up of ministers of the State Council were also approved at the session.

"I will serve the people and exert myself to work for the country, be a good public servant and sincerely seek benefits for the people," Hu said.

He expressed thanks to the NPC deputies and the entire nation for their trust, saying he would lead the country to advance democracy and rule of law and put people first.

"I will exert my utmost not to let you down," he said.

China's new leadership, he said, will unswervingly maintain the uniformity, solemnity and authority of the socialist legal system, promote social equity and justice, and safeguard social harmony and stability.

"We will keep to the principle of 'putting people first', respect the people's status, exert their pioneering spirit and safeguard their rights and interests," he said.

Hu said the new leadership will keep working in a practical manner, free their minds, seek truth from facts and keep up with the pace of the times.

"We will take every opportunity, face every challenge, courageously seek reform and innovation and do everything in accordance with objective rules."

The president spoke highly of China's achievements in reform, opening up and modernization drive in the past five years, which he attributed to the concerted efforts of the people.

"China has entered a critical stage for reform and development," he said.

Facing the new situation and new tasks, China must keep to its reform and opening up drive, promote scientific development, social harmony and the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

He expressed confidence the country will have new victories, achieve the revitalization of the Chinese nation and contribute further to the human society.