Kaohsiung, June 27 -- Mainland's Taiwan affairs chief Zhang Zhijun on Friday expressed his hopes for more communication with local people and to hear their advice on cross-Strait cooperation.

Zhang, chief of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks while meeting with Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu. They exchanged views on deepening cooperation between Kaohsiung and mainland cities.

Zhang said that with the development of cross-Strait relations in recent years, many cities on the island, including Kaohsiung, have carried out active communication with mainland cities. Last year, around 8 million people from both sides traveled across the Strait.

"The mainland hopes more Taiwanese compatriots participate in the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations," Zhang said.

During the meeting, Chen briefed Zhang on Kaohsiung's construction and administration.

Zhang started his four-day visit on Wednesday, and held a formal meeting with Wang Yu-chi, Taiwan's mainland affairs chief, in Taoyuan. He visited New Taipei City on Thursday and met with its Mayor Eric Chu.