On the afternoon of September 30, 2009, Premier Wen Jiabao of the State Council met cordially in the Great Hall of the People with the 100 foreign experts who won the 2009 Chinese government Friendship Award and their dependents. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, he expressed congratulations to the award winners and gratitude for their outstanding contributions to China's modernization drive. He also extended greetings to all the foreign experts and international friends working in China and their families.

Wen said that this year marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of New China. China has made world-acclaimed achievements and undergone enormous changes over the past 60 years, especially the past 30 years since reform and opening-up. Such achievements are the results of the united struggle of the Chinese people and also embody the wisdom and contributions of foreign experts and international friends. Numerous foreign experts and international friends have travelled to China, stood through storm and stress and forged ahead jointly with the Chinese people, and devoted their wisdom and talents to China's construction undertaking, which the Chinese people will never forget!

He pointed out that China's development is inseparable from the world and world prosperity and stability also needs China. History has proven that to progress and develop a nation or a country must be open-minded and tolerant. China resolutely implements the basic national policy of opening-up and the opening-up strategy of mutual benefit and win-win progress and is committed to learning from all the superb civilization achievements created by human society. China pursues all-round opening up. We warmly welcome more foreign experts to take part in China's modernization drive.

The Friendship Award is set by the Chinese government for those foreign experts who have made outstanding contributions to China's economic and social progress. This year's award-winning 100 foreign experts are from 28 countries and work in industry, agriculture, manufacturing, scientific research, education, sports, environmental protection, health and other fields. The Friendship Award is the supreme award the Chinese government confers to foreign experts. 1099 foreign experts from 60 countries have received this award since it was launched in 1991.

Vice Premier Zhang Dejiang was also present at the meeting.