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Historic cross-Straits talks conclude

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-08-2008 08:57

Special Report:   ARATS Chief visits Taiwan

The Mainland's top Taiwan affairs negotiator Chen Yunlin is back in Beijing after a historic five-day visit to Taiwan, which produced agreements on trade and transport.

Chen Yunlin(R), president of the mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS), together with his wife Lai Xiaohua, poses at a send-off ceremony in Taipei, southeast China's Taiwan province, Nov. 7, 2008. Chen Yunlin left here on Friday morning, concluding his five-day historic visit to Taiwan.(Xinhua Photo)
Chen Yunlin(R), president of the mainland's 
Association for Relations Across the Taiwan 
Straits (ARATS), together with his wife Lai Xiaohua, 
poses at a send-off ceremony in Taipei, southeast 
China's Taiwan province, Nov. 7, 2008. Chen Yunlin 
left here on Friday morning, concluding his five-day 
historic visit to Taiwan.(Xinhua Photo)

A handshake with 3 decades of preparation.

Chen Yunlin, president of the mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits, went to Taiwan at the invitation of Chiang Pin-kung, chairman of the Straits Exchange Foundation.

SEF chairman Chiang Pin-Kung said, "We are here to exchange ideas, improve understanding, enchance mutual trust and promote cooperation."

Economic exchanges and well-being of the people were the concerns of Chen's agenda, not cross-Straits political issues. Chen and Chiang signed four landmark agreements on direct shipping, flights, postal services and food safety.

ARATS Chairman Chen Yunlin said, "The agreements will start an easier channel for cross-Straits exchanges. They will benefit people on both sides and take our relations into a new era."

The two organizations also discussed cooperation to cope with the international financial crisis.

On Thursday, Chen Yunlin met briefly with Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou. Ma said he believes the development is the wish of the people of both sides and will contribute to cross-strait stability and prosperity.

ARATS and SEF also agreed to exchange rare animals and plants. Chen Yunlin said the pair of giant pandas promised by the Mainland three years ago will soon arrive on the island.

Taiwan offered a pair of sika deer and a pair of indigenous goats.

 

Editor:Zhang Ning