Hu Jintao, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), expressed good wishes for Taiwan athletes on Friday, saying that he hoped they would have good results at the Olympic Games.

Hu also expressed deep gratitude to Taiwan people who supported the mainland in disaster-relief efforts after the 8.0-magnitude earthquake struck southwestern Sichuan Province on May 12.

Hu made the remarks while meeting with Kuomintang (KMT) Honorary Chairman Lien Chan, KMT Chairman Wu Poh-hsiung and People First Party (PFP) Chairman James Soong.

The Taiwan guests were invited to attend the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games that starts at 8 p.m. on Friday.

Hu said that people from all circles in Taiwan have participated in the preparation for the Games in various ways in recent years.

"I believe we are surely able to present a unique and high-level international sporting gala, with the great support of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the international Olympic communities as well with the mutual endeavors made by all Chinese both at home and from overseas, including Taiwan compatriots," Hu said.

Hu said he hoped the two sides across the Taiwan Strait can grasp the rare historic opportunity to vigorously strengthen exchanges and cooperation in every field and bring tangible benefits to the compatriots on both sides of the Strait.

"Currently, the cross-Strait relationship shows good momentum of development. This is a hard-won situation worth cherishing. We should continue to make joint efforts to keep the good momentum going on," Hu said.

"The Chinese people on both sides of the Strait have the wisdom and capability to properly handle the existing disagreements," he added.

Lien said he was very happy to be present at such a historic grand occasion as the Beijing Olympic Games. He wished athletes from both sides of the Strait could score good results and hoped that new development could be made in the cross-Strait relationship.

Wu wished the Games would be successful and said that the KMT will further increase dialogue with the CPC and promote the peaceful development of the cross-Strait relationship.

Soong said the people on both sides of the Strait are from the same ancestors and should move forward with one heart to jointly explore a beautiful future for the Chinese nation.

According to the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee, the Chinese Taipei Olympic delegation comprises 133 people, including 80 athletes competing in 15 events.

(Xinhua News Agency August 8, 2008)