Cai Wu, honorary chairman of the mainland-based China Friendship Association of Cultural Circles, said on Sunday that he and his colleagues would work to promote cross-Straits cultural exchanges and cooperation "in a comprehensive manner" with Taiwan.

"We are willing to build a cross-Straits cultural exchange platforms with a more open and pragmatic attitude," Cai remarked on the eve of Monday's cross-Straits cultural forum.

He noted that his delegation would move forward based upon the agreements and proposals expected to be reached during the upcoming cultural forum.

Further, the delegations hope to draw up cross-Straits cultural exchange policies that would bring tangible benefits to people on both sides, Cai said.

Cai began his visit to Taiwan Thursday to attend the cross-Straits cultural forum at the invitation of the Taiwan-based Sheen Chuen-Chi Cultural and Educational Foundation.

More than 150 experts from both sides of the Taiwan Straits will discuss the development of cultural industries across the Straits at the forum.

The forum is jointly sponsored by the mainland association and the Taiwan-based foundation.

(Xinhua News Agency September 6, 2010)