BEIJING, Feb. 26 -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with world-renowned mathematician Shing-Tung Yau in Beijing on Friday.

During their meeting, Li said that innovation and development of science and technology require fundamental support from basic science, the foundation of which is mathematics. Therefore, the latter can be dubbed the crown of natural science.

Li called for respecting the laws of science and strengthening research on basic science. He encouraged researchers to stay devoted and focused and to give full play to their imagination and creativity.

Li stressed respecting talents and creating an environment where their skills are displayed, and strengthening international exchanges and cooperation to contribute to the progress of human civilization.

Shing-Tung Yau does research and education in mathematics. Yau has devoted himself to China's development of basic disciplines and education of outstanding mathematical talents in recent years. He is the first Chinese-born mathematician to win the Fields Medal, the highest international award for mathematics.