The economic and trade exchanges and cooperation between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan was facing a historical opportunity and needed joint efforts from both sides for further progress, Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said on Saturday.

Hu made the remarks while meeting with Vincent C. Siew, chairman of the Taiwan-based Cross-Straits Common Market Foundation at the Boao Forum for Asia.

Hu said under the new circumstances, the mainland would continue promoting cross-Straits economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation.

The mainland would also make efforts to push forward negotiations on weekend charter flights and mainland tourists' travel to Taiwan, Hu said.

He said the mainland would continue being concerned about Taiwan compatriots' welfare and protecting their legal rights and interests, and would step up efforts to restore cross-Straits negotiations and talks.

Hu said the fact that the forum was attended by so many participants from all walks of life home and abroad reflected from one aspect Asian countries and regions' strong desire to reinforce communication and cooperation and seek win-win solutions.

"The fact also inspired us to think deep about cross-Straits economic exchanges and cooperation under the new circumstances," Hu said.