ARATS vice-chairman praises latest development in Straits relations

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-07-08 15:36

TAIPEI-- The latest stage in the development of cross-Straits relations got off to a good start as the first weekend charter flights with Chinese mainland tourists arrived in Taiwan, an official with the mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) said on Monday.

"The prospects are bright for the development of cross-Straits relations," said Wang Zaixi, vice chairman of the ARATS.

Communication based on mutual trust is the key to the latest development, said Wang. With more communication and contacts, the two sides will achieve more common understanding, which will lead to a stable and peaceful cross-Straits relationship, he said.

A win-win goal can be achieved as the two sides develop together in a peaceful environment, he said.

Wang arrived in Taipei on Sunday, and on Monday attended the opening ceremony of the 13th seminar on Chinese modernization, which was co-hosted by the ARATS and a Taiwan-based foundation of Chinese modernization.

Chiang Pin-kun, chairman of the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), also attended the ceremony.