BEIJING, Sept. 16 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has written to the authorities and citizens of a successful village in Xinjiang, underlining the role of local Party branches in maintaining stability and prosperity in the terrorism-hit northwestern region.

Xi's letter, publicized on Tuesday, was addressed to Sawuer Menlik, secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) branch of Daxi Village, and all its residents.

The Weili County village, known for its transformation from impoverished to well-off, received a visit from Xi in June 2009. The president again mentioned Daxi during his Xinjiang visit in April this year.

Sawuer Menlik was moved by his recollection to write to Xi about the village's development in recent years and inhabitants' confidence in their livelihoods.

In Xi's reply, he said that Xinjiang's future will be determined in the grassroots, and that Party branches must unite villagers and strengthen their trust in the Party.

"Bring good Party policies into every household, boost production, ensure ethnic unity and let local people live better and better each day," the president wrote.

"I had very good talks with locals when I was in Daxi five years ago. Those memories are still fresh and I've been thinking of you," he said, adding that he was pleased with how the CPC branch continues to lead.

"Daxi's development shows that, with the Party's good policies and the unity of people of all ethnic groups, locals will surely live comfortable and happy lives," according to Xi's letter.