Jia Qinglin (R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), proposes a toast to Honorary Chairman of the Chinese Nationalist Party, or Kuomintang (KMT), Lien Chan during a welcoming banquet held in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, April 28, 2008.

Jia Qinglin, member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), had a meeting with visiting Honorary Chairman of the Kuomintang Party (KMT) Lien Chan, his wife and his retinue.
 Jia Qinglin meets Lien Chan

Jia spoke highly of Lien's outstanding contribution to promoting the relationship between the CPC and the KMT and the cross-strait relations, as well as his role in fighting secessionist activities. Jia expressed his hope that the compatriots of the two banks will unite more closely and work together to open up a new chapter for the peaceful development of the cross-strait relations.

Jia thanked Taiwan people for their support to the Beijing Olympic Games as Lien has brought works of a Taiwan sculptor donated to the Beijing Olympic Sports Center. Mainland people will welcome athletes from Taiwan to participate in the Beijing Olympic Games in a most cordial manner, he said.

Jia recalled Lien's first journey to the mainland three years ago and the historic meeting between CPC Central Committee General Secretary Hu Jintao and Lien, then chairman of the KMT, which has turned over a new leaf for the CPC-KMT relationship.

The recent meeting between Hu and Vicent Hsiew in Bo'ao, Hainan Province, has received good response among people of different circles in Taiwan, which showed that Taiwan people have a common aspiration for strengthening the cross-strait exchange and cooperation, the CPPCC chairman said.

Lien also recalled his mainland trip three years ago which has been supported by the majority of the compatriots of the two banks, and the previous three economic and trade forums held by the two parties. He pledged to spare no efforts to safeguard the peaceful development of the cross-strait relations, so as to create a happy environment for the Chinese offsprings.

Jia hosted a banquet for Lien, his wife and his delegation.

(Xinhua News Agency April 29, 2008)