Chinese Vice-Premier Li Lanqing met Monday afternoon with a group of Nobel Prize winners and well-known scientists who are here attending the International Symposium on Frontiers of Science.
Li said that the visiting scientists had made great contributions to the world's scientific advancement. It was a precious opportunity for Chinese scientists to exchange academic views with those prominent international counterparts.
He said he hoped the symposium would advance basic scientific research in China.
Li said that the Chinese government would continue supporting pioneering scientific research.
He also said that China would encourage scientific talent.
He hoped the Nobel laureates and scientists could carry out more cooperation and exchange with Chinese researchers.
Murray Gellmann, Charles H. Townes, Martinus J. G. Veltman and Chen Ning Yang, all of whom were Nobel Prize winners, spoke at the meeting.
The symposium, hosted by Tsinghua University, will last till June 19.
(Xinhua News Agency June 17, 2002)