China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin Thursday called for joint efforts to push forward the development of relations between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan.

Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks when he met with a Taiwan delegation led by Yao Eng-chi.

The world economy was gradually breaking away from the serious negative impact of the global financial crisis, and economic cooperation across the Taiwan Strait was embarking on a new stage, he said.

"We should seize the opportunity to enhance economic and financial exchanges, and negotiate and sign the cross-Strait Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) based on mutual benefit," he said.

Yao, whose delegation consists of former Taiwan local legislators, said the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan hoped for peaceful development of cross-Strait ties, and cooperation across the Strait needed to win more understanding and support from the public in the island.

Yao said he hoped the two sides could expand cooperation through enhanced exchanges and make joint efforts for the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.

Jia said the CPPCC had maintained contact with various circles on the island. It was "pioneering" for the delegation to come to the mainland and exchange views with political advisors as it created a new form of cross-Strait exchange.

Jia, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Political Bureau, said significant progress in cross-Strait ties in the past year had brought concrete benefits to compatriots on both sides.

He urged both sides to enhance cultural and educational exchanges and cooperation and encouraged more compatriots to take part in promoting peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.

The two sides should stick to the principle that the mainland and Taiwan belonged to one China, strengthen political mutual trust, overcome disturbances, and strive to expand consensus, Jia said.

The Taiwan delegation made the visit at the invitation of the CPPCC's Committee for Liaison with Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Overseas Chinese.