Chinese President Hu Jintao has attended a cross-Straits youth exchange event at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Hu delivered a speech during the event. He said improving cross-Straits relations has provided an opportunity for youth exchanges from both sides of the Straits. He also hopes the younger generation can devote themselves to cross-Straits cooperation and building a brighter future.

Hu said, "Dear young friends, I'm glad to join you here. I can feel the inspiration of youth. I feel myself becoming younger. This activity is very meaningful. I believe you must harvest a lot in this trip to the mainland. You can feel then that both the mainland and Taiwan are home to people across Straits."

More than 6,000 Taiwan youth have joined in the cross-Straits exchange program this summer. They will visit some famous sites together with another 3,000 youths from the Chinese mainland and discuss topics including the 1911 Revolution, environmental protection and aerospace technology.

(CNTV.cn July 13, 2011)