BEIJING, July 27 -- Senior officials should study the important speech given by President Xi Jinping at a high-level workshop, Premier Li Keqiang said Wednesday.

Provincial and ministerial officials gathered at the workshop from Wednesday to Thursday in Beijing in preparation for the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) later this year.

Xi, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, gave a keynote speech at the opening session of the workshop presided over by Li.

In his speech, Xi explained the theoretical and practical questions regarding adherence to and development of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

"[Xi's speech] has given a thorough explanation of the major policies and guidelines of the Party and the country for the future, and put forward a series of important thoughts, viewpoints, judgments and measures," Li told officials at the workshop.

Li called on senior officials to study Xi's speech, follow its spirit both in thought and action, and stay highly consistent with the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core.

Decisions must be implemented well to embrace the 19th CPC National Congress, Li said.