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Hu: further develop cross-Straits ties

By Zhao Huanxin (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-11-14 16:09

SINGAPORE: Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and Lien Chan, honorary chairman of Kuomintang (KMT), agreed on Saturday the two sides should further promote the peaceful development of the cross-Straits relations.

The two met on the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting, which opened on Saturday in Singapore.

Hu Jintao (R), general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee,meets with Lien Chan, honorary chairman of Kuomintang (KMT), during a meeting on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Singapore November 14, 2009. [Xinhua]

Hu said important historic opportunities have emerged for the expansion of the cross-Straits ties and the two sides should stick to the theme of peaceful development of the relations and persistently develop the relations along the right direction.

Hu said Lien has been following up and actively pushing forward the cross-Straits ties.

“We appreciate your clear-cut attitude in this regard,” Hu said.

Recently, the cross-Straits relations have witnessed great progress and experienced a historic change. This conforms to the common interests and aspirations of the compatriots across the Straits, and was also welcomed by the international community, Hu said.

Hu said he hoped the CPC and KMT, as well as the two sides across the Straits to enhance exchange and increase mutual trust in political area, and do more solid work to further advance the cross-Straits relations.

The two sides should kick off the consultation process for economic cooperation framework agreement (ECFA) by the end of this year, Hu said.

Lien said he hoped the process for the consultation and signing of the ECFA should be accelerated.