Mainland´s Taiwan affairs chief says economic co-op priority for cross-straits relations

However, promoting peaceful development of cross-straits relations "could neither be accomplished in a single action, nor through an always plain sailing process," he said.

"The two sides should seek step-by-step and comprehensive development of cross-straits relations by putting economy first, and gradually tackle difficult problems on the basis of mutual trust," he said.

He hoped the two sides to boost institutionalization of cross-straits economic relations as soon as possible, including inking an agreement on cross-straits economic cooperation.

The two sides should also enhance exchanges in culture, education, science and technology, and between teenagers on both sides of the Taiwan Straits, he said, to boost mutual understanding and pave way for further development of cross-strait ties.

Wang warned that there were still inherent contradictions, differences, and sensitive political and military issues in cross-straits relations.

"We should in fair weather prepare for foul, and gradually accumulate consensus and create favorable conditions for solving these complicated and sensitive issues," he said.

Fostering mutual trust was the most important factor among others, he said, noting that the basis of mutual trust was opposing "Taiwan independence" and adhering to the "1992 Consensus".

Editor:Zhang Ning