BEIJING, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has vowed to provide foreign experts serving China with better working and living conditions.

    Wen made the remark in meeting with 50 chosen foreign specialists and their families at the Great Hall of People here on Monday, in which he issued the experts Friendship Award of the year on behalf of the Chinese government.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L. Front) shakes hands with a foreign expert at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, on Sept. 29, 2008. The Chinese Premier met with foreign experts who are honored with the Prize of Friendship and their families here on Monday. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    China had successfully hosted the Beijing Olympic Games, finished its third manned space mission and kept a positive trend in economic growth after overcoming the severe snow and quake disasters, Wen said.

    All the successes and achievements had come about because of the collective efforts of Chinese people as well as the support and concern of foreign experts and friends, he added.

    The premier told the award-winning experts that China would continue the policy of reform and opening up which had been proven to be the correct way of leading the country to prosperity, and which enjoyed its 30th anniversary this year.

    Wen said governments at all levels would strive to create better working and living conditions for foreign experts in China and protect their legal rights and interests to realize their career ideals.

    The Friendship Award is the top prize awarded by the Chinese government to foreign experts who make outstanding contributions to China's economic construction and social development.

    The 50 award receivers of the year 2008 come from 19 nations. They have been engaged in journalism, agriculture, education, health, engineering and other specialties.

    The Chinese government has given the award to 999 foreign experts from 58 countries since 1991.