Pingtan, the closest place on the mainland to the island of Taiwan, played host to the prestigious 13th Common Homeland Forum on September 23, bringing together nearly 300 participants from both sides of the Taiwan Straits for a day of camaraderie, discussions, and collaboration.

In his opening remarks, Zhang Zhijun, president of the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS), emphasized the significance of the forum as a platform for fostering sentiments, facilitating exchanges, and promoting cooperation between people across the Straits. "The Common Homeland Forum serves as a vital venue for people from both sides to renew friendships, share insights, and jointly push forward cooperation," he said. "We will continue to improve policies and systems that benefit Taiwan compatriots, expanding the scope of benefits and enhancing their sense of fulfillment, thereby strengthening their commitment to safeguarding our shared homeland."

Luo Dongchuan, deputy secretary of the Fujian Provincial Party Committee, echoed these sentiments, welcoming attendees on behalf of the provincial government. "President Xi Jinping has always shown great concern for Taiwan compatriots and has made a series of important statements guiding the deepening of cross-Straits integration," Luo said. "Fujian is committed to implementing the Party's decisions and deploying measures that enhance the well-being of Taiwan compatriots, making Fujian an attractive destination for Taiwan businesses and individuals."

Chiang Hsiao-yen, former vice chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang, added a touching note, emphasizing the shared identity of all Chinese. "We all stand tall as Chinese people," he said. "Let us unite and work together to invigorate cross-Straits people-to-people exchanges and contribute to a brighter future for relations across the Taiwan Straits."

The forum, themed "Good Life, Good Future," delved into topics such as cross-Straits industrial cooperation and Pingtan's role as a pioneer in high-quality development. Parallel events included the Cross-Straits Tourism Meteorological Service Standards Symposium and the Cross-Straits Vocational Standards Alignment Expert Seminar, fostering deeper understanding and practical collaboration.

                                                                                                                                                            (Source: Fujian Daily)