Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, yesterday pledged to resume cross-Straits dialogue at the earliest date.

"Communication and dialogue between the mainland-based Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) and the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF) on the basis of '1992 Consensus' should be resumed as soon as possible," Hu said while meeting Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung.

It was the first meeting between the chiefs of the two parties and also the highest-level contact across the Straits in six decades.

Hu expressed hope that the two parties and both sides across the Straits make joint efforts to build mutual trust, set aside disputes, seek consensus and jointly create a win-win situation.

Priority should be given to starting weekend passenger charter flights and allowing mainland tourists to visit Taiwan after the talks resume, Hu said.

"The two issues can be realized within the shortest period of time as long as the two sides make joint efforts," Hu said.

On Taiwan's participation in international activities, Hu said the mainland understands the feelings of Taiwan people.

"After the two sides resume consultations, (we) can discuss the issue of (Taiwan's) participation in international activities ... including giving priority to discussing the issue of attending WHO activities," Hu said.

"We care for, respect and trust Taiwan compatriots. As for misunderstandings and doubts some Taiwan compatriots have on cross-Straits problems, we understand them and will also take positive measures to solve them," he said.

Hu said Wu's first visit to the mainland as the KMT chairman is a major event for relations between the CPC and the KMT, as well as for relations between the mainland and Taiwan.

He stressed the importance of building mutual trust on the basis of "opposing Taiwan independence" and adhering to the "1992 Consensus"; and called on the two parties to seize the current favorable trend and seek peace and prosperity for people on both sides of the Straits.

Wu described the current cross-Straits relations as "the sky that has cleared after the rain", saying an opportunity has presented itself for creating mutual benefits and improving cooperation.

The mainstream public opinion in Taiwan expects the relationship to be interactive and generate more goodwill, he said.

He told a press conference later yesterday afternoon that he was totally satisfied with the current visit with "all the expectations met".

He said the two sides have reached a consensus to build mutual trust and set aside disputes.

"Disputes should not stand in the way of the well-being of people across the Straits," Wu said.

During their talks, Hu also thanked Taiwan compatriots for their concern and generous donations and assistance to relief efforts after the 8.0-magnitude quake hit Sichuan on May 12.

"The love and benevolence Taiwan compatriots have shown to the people in disaster-hit areas is deeply moving," he said, adding that it will become a driving force for compatriots on both sides of the Straits to join hands in building a better future.

Hu invited Wu to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games, which the latter accepted.

He also renewed an offer to give Taiwan a pair of pandas.

Xinhua contributed to the story

(China Daily 05/29/2008 page1)