The European Union (EU) on Friday welcomed the agreement on the expansion of chartered flights across the Taiwan Straits.

"The European Union welcomes the announcement on 14 June of agreement on additional direct Cross-Straits passenger flights during holiday periods, and also some direct cargo flights, building on the beneficial experience of direct charter flights over the Chinese New Year," said a declaration issued by Austria which holds the EU rotating presidency.

The document said the 25-member bloc appreciates this positive measure, which is not only important for the peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, but also conducive to the security and stability of the region and the world at large.

While reiterating its adherence to the one-China policy, the EU encouraged both sides across the Taiwan Straits to take further steps aimed at promoting dialogue, practical cooperation and confidence-building.

On Wednesday, China's General Administration of Civil Aviation (CAAC) announced that the mainland-based Cross-Straits Aviation Transport Exchange Council and the Taipei Airlines Association had reached consensus on the framework of chartered flights for festivals and special cases.

Source: Xinhua