Cross-Straits forum makes proposals on political ties

SHANGHAI -- Participants at the first cross-Straits peace forum have proposed creating conditions for meetings between leaders from both sides of the Taiwan Straits, setting up a coordination mechanism for external affairs, and enhancing maritime cooperation.

The two sides should actively foster conditions for meetings between leaders across the Straits and make arrangements for the form and content of such occasions, according to forum minutes announced during the closing ceremony on Saturday.

To meet mutual challenges, authorities should cooperate in maritime affairs such as conservation of maritime living resources, protection of fishery, fishermen and the maritime eco-environment, safeguarding maritime transport security, emergency rescue, joint development of energy and tourism, scientific research, law enforcement, and maritime security, the document said.

Participants also suggested the two sides gradually set up a communications and coordination mechanism for external affairs so as to properly handle cases in which non-governmental institutions or individuals across the Straits plan to participate in the same non-governmental or civil international events at the same time.

Launching cross-Straits political dialogues and negotiations will help the two sides end confrontation and discuss an agreement for safeguarding peace which is endorsed by people across the Straits, according to the forum minutes.

The second cross-Straits peace forum is scheduled to be held in Taiwan next year.

Organized by the mainland-based National Society of Taiwan Studies and Taiwan's 21st Century Foundation and 12 other major think tanks and academic institutions from both sides, the two-day event was attended by about 120 experts and academics.