Xi-Ma meeting: Transcript of China President Xi Jinping's opening remarks

SINGAPORE — Leaders of political rivals Taiwan and China met today (Nov 7) for the first time in more than 60 years for talks that come amid rising anti-Beijing sentiment on the self-ruled democratic island and weeks ahead of elections there.

Including their historic handshake, brief opening remarks before reporters and a closed-door session, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou met for an hour on neutral ground in Singapore.

Here's the transcript of what Chinese President Xi Jinping said in the first 10 minutes of the meeting that was open to the media:

History has left bad memories and deep regrets for untold families on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. But the Strait cannot prevent relatives and friends from missing each other.

The power of kinship in the 1980s finally pushed forward the dialogue across the strait. Since 2008, the two sides across the strait have made progress along the road towards dialogue.

In the last seven years, the two sides across the straits have made much progress in the development of cross-Strait relations, and these are due to the hard work of the people from both sides.

It is because of the work that has been done over these last seven years that we are able to take this historic step today. At this juncture, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all those who have made efforts to push forward cross-Strait relations.

No matter how much difficulty we have gone through, no power can separate us because we are closely-knit kinsmen, and blood is thicker than water. Now we are at a juncture in our relationship. We cannot repeat historical tragedy. We cannot lose the fruits of our development. People across the Strait should continue to push forward a peaceful development and enjoy the fruits of peace together.

We should learn and reflect from the history of the cross-Strait relationship. We must be responsible for history, and make wise decisions that will stand the test of time.

We must act together and show the world that the Chinese people across the Straits have every ability to handle our own issues, and to contribute to the peace and stability in the region, and the world.

I hope the two sides across the Strait can work together and stick to the 1992 consensus. Consolidate our political foundation, continue down the path of development, and ensure that our ties continue to develop in the right direction.

We should deepen our exchanges and cooperation, increase the well-being of people across the strait, and push forward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese people.

This is all I have to say for now. Thank you.