Premier Zhu Rongji has called for greater efforts to modernize China's meteorological operations during an inspection to the China Meteorological Administration.

The premier held talks with officials, experts and academicians, as well as with delegates attending the 25th congress of the Meteorology Society of China.

The country's meteorological departments had played an important role in preventing and reducing the impact of natural calamities, promoting economic and social development, and ensuring the safety of life and property, Zhu said.

He spoke highly of the work of the country's 50,000 meteorologists and its 2,600 weather stations.

Meteorological work was very important and was closely linked with economic and social development and people's livelihoods, Zhunoted.

Vice-Premier Wen Jiabao and State Councilor Wang Zhongyu accompanied the premier in the inspection.

(People's Daily October 21, 2002)