TAIPEI, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou said Wednesday the inking of an economic pact between the island and the Chinese mainland is only the start for a series of negotiations over coming years.

"Cross-Strait economic and trade ties will be closer after the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) is reached," Ma said at a press conference marking two years in office.

He said he hopes people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, who are all descendants of the same ancestors, will solve cross-Strait issues with the wisdom of the Chinese nation.

"This goal might not be achieved overnight, ... we hope to find solutions step by step," he said. "This will be beneficial for both sides."

The two sides have realized direct air and sea transport-links and postal services over the past two years, and mainland tourists are now visiting Taiwan, too.

The measures have pushed cross-Strait ties "from confrontation to negotiation and from conflict to reconciliation," easing tensions, he said.