Chen Yunlin (R Center), president of the Chinese mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS), arrives at Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei of southeast China's Taiwan Province Nov. 3, 2008. Chen Yunlin arrived in Taiwan on Nov. 3 for a five-day trip.[Xinhua Photo]

Chen is scheduled to pay a visit this afternoon to the wife of Koo Chen-fu, the former chairman of the Taiwan-based Straits Exchange Foundation, who passed away in 2005. In the evening, Chen will attend the SEF's welcoming dinner.

High on the agenda of Chen's itinerary is a meeting with the Chairman of the Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation, Chiang Pin-kung, on Tuesday morning. Economic issues, including an extension of the weekend cross-Straits chartered flights and tours of mainland citizens in Taiwan are expected to dominate the talks. A number of agreements will be signed in the afternoon.

The first round of talks between the two leaders was held 5 months ago in Beijing.

After the talks, Chen will meet with major political leaders in the island, including ruling Kuomintang chairman Wu Poh-hsiung, KMT honorary chairman Lien Chan, the chair of the Mainland Affairs Council, Lai Shin-yuan and the chairman of the People First Party, James Soong.

Authorities say nearly 600 reporters have been allowed to cover the visit. The Director of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, Wang Yi... says Chen's visit is a key step towards closer cross-Straits ties. He also says both sides should cherish, maintain and further build upon the hard-earned progress.

(CCTV November 4, 2008)