The Communist Party of China (CPC) and Kuomintang (KMT) both expressed wish to promote cross-Strait trust and common understanding as Ma Ying-jeou took the position as the KMT chairman on Saturday.

The CPC Central Committee Saturday congratulated the Kuomintang(KMT) on the convocation of its18th congress, expecting the two parties to deepen mutual trust, increase exchanges and expand common understanding.

In a reply, the KMT Central Committee said they will work with the CPC for improving trust and mutual benefits, in a bid to improve the welfare of people on both sides.

At the congress, the KMT again included the "common aspirations and prospects for peace and development across the Taiwan Strait, "reached between the CPC and KMT in 2005, in its political guideline.

Wu Yongping, deputy director of the Institute of Taiwan Studies, Tsinghua University, told Xinhua that this gave a positive signal that the KMT pledged again to further development of cross-Strait relations , which is helpful for further dialogues between the CPC and the KMT.

At the congress, Ma appointed Lien Chan and Wu Poh-hsiung as KMT honorary chairmen. They would assist Ma on cross-Strait affairs and external exchanges, according to Ma.

Hu Jintao, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, congratulated Lien Chan on continuing to be KMT honorary chairman and Wu Poh-hsiung on taking the position as honorary chairman.

The two responded with commitments to peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.

Lien said in a statement that since the two sides resumed systematic talks based on the 1992 Consensus, peace and stability across the Strait have been greatly enhanced and people's welfare improved.

"We should work even harder to consolidate the five-point common aspirations and prospects," Lien said.

Wu also noted that the two parties should work together for peace and development with "sincerity and goodwill."

Zhu Weidong, deputy director fo the Institute of Taiwan Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said, "Through the congress, we can see the KMT will not change its stance on easing cross-Strait relations, promoting exchanges with the CPC and carrying on the platform between the two parties."

(Xinhua News Agency October 18, 2009)