2010-12-15 07:24

SHANGHAI - The sixth round of talks between the mainland-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) and the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) is to be held in Taipei on December 21, the two institutions announced Tuesday.

Representatives from the ARATS and the SEF held a preparatory consultation in Shanghai Tuesday to fix the details for the talks.

The two sides, respectively headed by ARATS executive vice president Zheng Lizhong and SEF vice chairman and secretary general Kao Koong-lian, settled the final details of a medical and health cooperation agreement which will be signed during the upcoming talks.

The negotiators will also aim to reach a consensus on a cross-Straits investment protection agreement at the new round of talks.

The investment protection agreement is an important part of the follow-up negotiations after the cross-Straits Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) took effect in September.

The mainland delegation is expected to arrive in Taipei on December 20.

"Since the top negotiators from the mainland and Taiwan resumed talks two and a half years ago, achievements made at the talks have brought benefits to compatriots on both sides," Zheng Lizhong said.

"Maintaining peaceful development of cross-Straits ties has become an increasing focus for people across the Straits, especially after the two sides signed the ECFA," he said.

"We believe the sixth round of talks will achieve mutually beneficial results," he said.

The ARATS and the SEF are the two institutions respectively authorized by the mainland and Taiwan to handle cross-Straits affairs. The upcoming talks will be their sixth round of talks since 2008.