The European Union (EU) on Friday welcomed the continued efforts by both sides of the Taiwan Straits to improve relations, which contribute significantly to stability and security in East Asia.

In a statement issued by the EU's French presidency, the 27-member bloc applauded the success of the recent talks between Chen Yunlin, president of the Chinese mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS), and Chiang Pin-kung, chairman of the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), earlier this week in Taipei.

During the talks, the two sides signed four agreements on direct shipping and flights, postal services and food safety.

"The European Union welcomes in particular the fact that these talks contribute to developing the mutual confidence and understanding between the two sides, which are essential for better cooperation in the Taiwan Straits," the statement said.

The EU expressed the hope that the process of dialogue will continue over the coming months and years, in accordance with the timetable set by the two sides.

(Xinhua News Agency November 8, 2008)