Premier Li Qiang reiterated on Sunday China's commitment to upholding openness and inclusiveness to enhance international exchanges in various fields in order to jointly promote peace and development.

Li made the remarks when meeting with the 2024 Chinese Government Friendship Award winners and representatives of foreign experts who work in China, ahead of Chinese New Year, which falls on Wednesday.

Li, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, extended New Year wishes and sincere greetings to the foreign experts and their relatives, and thanked them for their long-term care and support for China's modernization efforts. He also listened to the experts' opinions and suggestions on China's reform, development and government work.

Experts from countries including the United Kingdom, Poland, Mali, Romania, Germany and Pakistan delivered speeches focusing on topics such as technological innovation, economic and trade cooperation, cultural exchanges, international communication and talent development.

Highlighting the achievements made in China's development in the past year, the premier acknowledged the positive contributions of foreign experts.

He emphasized that the experiences of the foreign experts living and working in China exemplify the deep integration and positive interaction between China and the world.

Li highlighted the importance of global exchanges, saying that the more complex the international environment is, the more essential it is for nations around the world to promote open dialogue and communication.

China will continue to uphold openness and inclusiveness to actively enhance international exchanges in various fields and promote the resolution of differences and disagreements through dialogue and consultations, he said.

Li also underscored the role of collaboration in technological innovation. He said that as the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation progresses, scientific research has become increasingly complex and systematic, which has made open cooperation a prevailing trend and an essential choice.

China will further expand opening-up in the scientific and technological field, deepen collaborative research, and work with other countries to address practical issues and tackle global challenges together, Li said.

While emphasizing that China's door will always remain open to talent from around the world, the premier said that the Chinese government will further optimize relevant policies, enhance service levels, and create more international exchange and cooperation platforms to provide a conducive environment for foreign talent to work in, start businesses and display their talent in China.

The Chinese Government Friendship Award commends foreign experts who have made outstanding contributions to China's reform and development. In 2024, a total of 100 foreign experts received the award.

caodesheng@chinadaily.com.cn