Senior mainland official Jia Qinglin on Friday met with Kuomintang (KMT) honorary chairman Lien Chan and his wife, hailing Lien's efforts in promoting the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, welcomed Taiwan visitors at the Shanghai World Expo and expressed gratitude for those compatriots of Taiwan supporting and participating in the event.

Jia said that April 29, 2005 was a landmark day for cross-Strait relations when Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with then KMT chairman Lien here.

It was the first meeting in six decades between the top leaders of the two parties.

The two sides reached agreement on peaceful cross-Strait development at the meeting and pledged joint efforts to oppose "Taiwan Independence," maintain peace and stability across the Strait, and to promote cross-Strait ties in the common interests of the people on both sides of the Strait.

"Time has shown that the historic decision made five years ago by the two parties is in accordance with the people's wishes," said Jia.

"It is the right path, and we should walk steadily along it with confidence and overcome all obstacles," Jia added.

Lien said that Taiwan entered the World Expo for the first time in 40 years, which marked a key milestone for cross-Strait relations.

He stressed that "peaceful development" was the right approach for the mainland and Taiwan to take.

He added that both sides should push forward the signing of Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA), which aims to normalize mainland-Taiwan economic ties and bring the two economies closer.

The mainland and Taiwan are expected to sign the deal by June.