On February 24, Premier Li Keqiang met with Mr. Qiu Chengtong, an internationally renowned mathematician, in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai. Li Keqiang said that scientific and technological innovation and development need the important support of basic science, and mathematics is the foundation of basic science, which can be said to be the crown of natural science. We should respect scientific laws, strengthen basic scientific research, and lay a solid foundation for scientific and technological innovation and development. Support scientific research personnel to adhere to the spirit of sharpening the sword in ten years, concentrate on learning, keep their composure, avoid impetuosity, exert their imagination and creativity, and achieve new breakthroughs. We should respect talents and create an environment for them to display their talents. Strengthen international exchanges and cooperation and jointly contribute to the progress of human civilization. Mr. Qiu Chengtong has been engaged in mathematics research and education for a long time. He is the first Chinese in the world to win the Fields Prize, the highest honor in the international mathematics field. In recent years, he has devoted himself to the construction of basic disciplines and the cultivation of outstanding mathematics talents in China. Xiao Jie attended the meeting. (Xinhua News Agency)