Delegations of the Chinese mainland's Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Strait have arrived in Taipei at the start of a five-day historic visit to Taiwan.

It's the first time that leaders of the Association and Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation held meetings in Taiwan. Experts say the visit marks an important step in cross-Straits progression.

CRI'S Tu Yun has more.

Reporter:

Mainland envoy Chen Yunlin is expected to hold talks with Taiwan's Straits Exchange Foundation chairman Chiang Pin-kung on the topics of cross-Straits direct shipping, air transport, postal services, food safety and tourism.

Chen Yunlin says the aim of his visit is simply to benefit people across the Straits.

"The meeting between the two parties has been suspended for almost 10 years. We wasted a lot of time, and many problems need to be solved. The meeting was resumed in June and we should now seize this opportunity. Otherwise it will harm the interests of the people across the Straits."

During his visit, the two organizations will also host seminars for experts to exchange views on financial cooperation to withstand international financial turmoil.

Experts say the topics demonstrate in-depth progress of cross-Straits cooperation.

Zhu Songling is from Beijing Union University.

"From these topics, we can expect substantial breakthroughs in direct transportation, trade and post between China's mainland and Taiwan, which will have positive effects for the cross-Straits communication in economy and social activities. Also from topics like food safety we can see that the cross-Straits meeting system is of great importance in dealing with such emergencies. "

As it's the first time for leaders from the two organizations to hold meetings on the island, experts value it as great progress in cross-Straits relations.

Peng Weixue is a researcher from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

"This time's meeting is a continuation of the discussions in June. Chen Yunlin is the highest-level official who has discussed with the Straits Exchange Foundation in Taiwan, which is of special significance to strengthen the confidence for people across the Straits."

Chen Yunlin's visit will last till Friday.

Tu Yun, CRI news.