The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and its General Secretary Hu Jintao welcome and invite Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung to visit the mainland, an official said Saturday.

"The Taiwan compatriots have been active in making donations and offering help in various forms after the devastating earthquake in Wenchuan of Sichuan Province on May 12," said Chen Yunlin, director of the Taiwan Work Office of the CPC Central Committee.

"Upon hearing the news, the KMT central committee sent a message to the CPC Central Committee and conveyed concerns and regards. I hereby extend our heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the people in the quake-hit areas," Chen said.

He noted that over the past three years, the CPC and the KMT have conducted various forms of communication and dialogue, which have played an important role in promoting the steady development of cross-Strait relations.

"With positive changes of the current situation in Taiwan, Wu's visit will be conducive to strengthening the communication and dialogue of the two parties and will push forward the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations," he said.

"We will consult with the KMT on Chairman Wu's visit as soon as possible and make relevant arrangements," said Chen.

(Xinhua News Agency May 17, 2008)