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Premier dines with teachers to mark Teachers' Day
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-09-10 07:37


Premier Wen Jiabao (center) talks with a group of teachers from elementary and high schools in Beijing during a meeting in the Zhongnanhai compound in central Beijing September 9, 2008. [Xinhua]

"Set students free, and not only allow them more hours to play, as well as give them more time to conduct sporting, thinking, practicing, and understanding society," said the premier.

In his keynote address, Wen called education a "foundation stone" for the nation. China will be built into a first-class country with a first-class education system and first-class talents, he stressed.

Teachers should be far-sighted, patriotic and faithful to their profession, said the premier. He urged teachers to set a good example for students, be more creative so that they can train more creative talents, and make greater efforts to obtain new knowledge to keep pace with the times.

At the end of his speech, Wen showed his profound gratefulness, love and respect for teachers, especially those working in remote, rural and poverty-stricken areas.

After the talks, Wen had a brief lunch with his visitors.