BEIJING - The peaceful development path carved out by the mainland and Taiwan marks the most important achievement in recent cross-Straits relations, China's top political advisor said Tuesday.

Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks while meeting with visiting Honorary Chairman of the Kuomintang (KMT) Lien Chan in Beijing.

Calling Lien a statesman with profound "national feelings", Jia highly praised his contributions to the development of cross-Straits relations.

Consolidating and deepening the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations is the most important task of Taiwan and mainland compatriots at present and in the near future, said Jia.

The successful development of this path depends on the two sides' common political foundation of opposing "Taiwanese independence" and adhering to the "1992 Consensus", Jia said.

The mainland and Taiwan have settled existing problems through exchanges and cooperation and brought benefits to the people of both sides, he added.

Jia noted that the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) defined guiding ideas, an overall arrangement and goals for developing cross-Straits relations, as well as meted out a series of important policies for Taiwan.

"I believe greater achievements will surely be made through the peaceful development of cross-Straits relations," Jia said.

He said he hopes the two sides will shelve controversial topics and boost cooperation.

He also said the mainland welcomes all political parties and groups that are willing to improve and develop cross-Straits relations.

Lien said the suggestions provided at the eight cross-Straits economic, trade and cultural forums that the CPC and the KMT have held since 2005 have become specific policies and have been implemented by the two sides.

People on both sides have enjoyed concrete benefits and are giving more support for the development of cross-Straits ties, said Lien.

Both sides should enhance interaction based on their common culture, as well as deepen mutual understanding and trust, so as to boost their cooperative efforts to create prosperity, Lien said.

General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping and Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Lien on Monday and Tuesday, respectively.