BEIJING, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese vice premier Liu Yandong on Friday invited foreign scientists to join in China's science and technology push.

Liu made the remarks at an annual ceremony to honor excellent scientists and research when meeting the group which won the International Cooperation Award.

The recipients including seven scientists and one organization, are from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Russia, Thailand, the United States, and the Netherlands. Liu presented certificates and thanked them for their contributions to China's progress.

Liu also met with other award winners, encouraging them to strive for more innovation and make new contributions for the realization of the Chinese Dream.

Since 1995, China has given the International Cooperation Award in Science and Technology to a total of 94 foreign scientists and two international organizations.