Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou said Friday he is pleased about and comforted by the increasingly friendly atmosphere between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan, expressing hope for lasting peace between the two sides.

Ma made the remark at a gathering marking the 20th anniversary of the establishment of Taiwan's mainland affairs department.

Ma said the two sides across the Taiwan Strait belong to the same Chinese nation.

He said he hopes the "people on both sides will never resort to arms from now on."

The two sides need to find ways to dissolve disputes though deepened exchange and the wisdom of Chinese culture, he said.

"This is not easy. It needs patience, love and perseverance," he said.

Addressing the same event, Taiwan mainland affairs chief Lai Shin-yuan said cross-Strait ties have seen ups and downs over the past two decades.

Relations improved only after Ma became Taiwan leader, as he has promoted reconciliation and negotiation instead of conflict and confrontation.

She said the island's mainland affairs department will continue to strive to achieve the goal of lasting peace across the Strait.