BEIJING, March 17 (Xinhua) -- The government will revere laws, respect the people and take on its responsibilities for the country, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said at a press conference on Sunday.

The government will also have the courage to get things done so as to benefit the whole nation and build a strong and prosperous country, said Li.

"We will be true to the Constitution, loyal to the people, and the people's wish will point the direction of our government's efforts," the premier said in his opening remarks at the press conference.

"From the moment we took on this new role, I have deeply felt the heavy responsibilities Chinese people of all ethnic groups have placed on our shoulders," said Li, who introduced to the press four vice premiers - Zhang Gaoli, Liu Yandong, Wang Yang and Ma Kai.

"We will take as our sacred mission the people's aspirations for a better life," Li said.

Li was endorsed as Chinese premier Friday at the first session of the 12th National People's Congress, the country's top legislature, which concluded on Sunday.