Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met with visiting Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung Tuesday afternoon, achieving "important progress" on cross-Strait issues.

The two agreed to further implement the common prospects for peaceful cross-Strait development, agreed by leaders of the two parties in 2005, said a statement issued after their meeting.

Both sides will maintain the political foundation that they oppose "Taiwan independence" and stick to 1992 Consensus, the statement said. "They will work to intensify the mutual trust."

They will begin talks about the economic cooperation agreement as early as possible and promote exchanges between culture and education sectors on both sides, it said.

"Both sides held that they should avoid internal struggle in foreign affairs and work for the interests of all Chinese."

Wu arrived in Beijing Monday for an eight-day visit to the mainland.Wang Yi, director of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said Monday that Wu's visit is the most important event in this year's cross-Straits relations.

Hu and Wu first met in Beijing on May 28 last year, days after the Kuomintang's Ma Ying-jeou was inaugurated Taiwan leader.

They met again in August 2008 when Wu was invited to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games.

(Xinhua News Agency May 26, 2009)