Hu Jintao (R), general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, meets with Kuomintang (KMT) Honorary Chairman Lien Chan in Lima, capital of Peru, Nov. 21, 2008. [Xinhua]

Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, met?with Kuomintang (KMT) Honorary Chairman Lien Chan Friday in Lima.

At their meeting, Hu spoke highly of Lien's unremitting efforts in and contributions to the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations.

Both leaders are in the Peruvian capital Lima to attend the 16th Economic Leaders' Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

Hu Jintao (2nd R), general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, meets with Kuomintang (KMT) Honorary Chairman Lien Chan (2nd L) in Lima, capital of Peru, Nov. 21, 2008. [Xinhua]

Hu noted that the current cross-Straits ties had registered sound development, and the four agreements signed by the mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) during its recent visit to the island with the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) on direct shipping and flights, postal services and food safety, had brought substantial benefits for compatriots living on both sides of the Taiwan Straits.

The success of the visit indicated that the development of cross-Strait relations had turned to a new page, Hu said, adding that enhancing cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation conforms to the common aspiration and the general trend.

Hu noted that the ongoing international financial crisis was spreading from some regions to the entire globe, from developed countries to nations with emerging markets, and from financial sectors to real economy.

At this crucial moment, both sides should enhance communication to push forward their mutually-beneficial trade and economic cooperation to turn challenges into opportunities, he said.

"We're willing to take practical actions and join hands with Taiwan compatriots to tide over the difficulties," Hu said.

He voiced his hope that both sides could seize the historic opportunity to benefit their compatriots and seek peace for the Taiwan Straits.

Lien said his meeting with Hu indicated the further development of cross-Straits relations and growing cooperation between the two sides.

Most people in Taiwan welcome the agreements signed by the ARATS and the SEF, he added.

Lien said he shared with Hu's view that the two sides should strengthen economic exchanges and cooperation in tackling the global financial crisis, adding that both sides could make contributions to global economic growth.

(Xinhua News Agency?November 22, 2008)