Taipei mayor urges more cross-Straits exchanges

Mayor of Taipei Hao Lung-bin on Sunday called for more communication across the Straits to promote mutual understanding and stable relations.

Hao made the remarks at a press conference in Beijing as his four-day visit here came to an end.

He lauded the visit to Taiwan by Chinese mainland's Taiwan affairs chief Zhang Zhijun from Sunday to Wednesday as "a major breakthrough in the development of cross-Straits ties."

Zhang visited Taiwan cities of New Taipei, Taoyuan, Kaohsiung and Taichung. Hao said at the press conference that he hopes Zhang to go to Taipei in his next visit to Taiwan.

People on the two sides have the same origin, and thus they should enhance exchanges, reduce hostility, build mutual trust and face up to difficulties and problems, Hao said.

"I will strive to do anything that is conducive to the stability of cross-Straits relations, the long term development of both sides and their intensified exchanges and cooperation," he said.