Premier Wen Jiabao has promised to facilitate the signing of "comprehensive agreement on economic cooperation" between the Mainland and Taiwan. The head of Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, Wang Yi, said economic cooperation is a top concern of officials from both sides.

Wang Yi says the Mainland and Taiwan have good interactive relations and are on the track of peaceful development.

Wang Yi says the third round of talks between the cross-straits affairs organizations of the two sides will also focus on the normalization of economic relations.

Wang Yi says, "We will focus on joint efforts on regular cross-Straits flights, and financial cooperation and cracking down on crime. Strengthening two-way investment is also an important issue for the talks."

A proposed "comprehensive economic cooperation agreement" has become a hot topic in Taiwan. Wang Yi gave the Mainland's stance.

Wang Yi also says, "As long as the agreement is helpful for the peaceful development of the cross-Strait relations, benefits the people from both sides, and promotes economic development of both Taiwan and the mainland, and in addition, helps Taiwan weather the current temporary financial crisis, we will hold a positive attitude toward its signing."

The purpose of the agreement is to establish normal and regular trade relations that would benefit both sides. Wang Yi says the the two sides will hold talks on the signing details.

(CCTV March 12, 2009)