BEIJING, May 4 -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, called for both sides of the Taiwan Strait to build a community of shared destiny and settle political differences through equal consultations.

Xi made the remarks during a meeting with visiting Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Eric Chu in Beijing on Monday.

The meeting took place in the Great Hall of the People and is the first between Xi and Chu, bringing broad attention and expectations.

Stressing the 1992 Consensus is the foundation for the exchanges with Taiwan authorities and political parties, Xi said the mainland is willing to take the lead to share the development opportunities with Taiwan compatriots.

"We are willing to give priority to Taiwan in opening-up. Our efforts to open up to Taiwan compatriots will be bigger," he said.

Both the CPC and KMT should be brave when facing lingering political differences and difficulties, pool wisdom of compatriots of both sides and actively search for a solution, he said.

"The two sides can consult with each other on equal basis under the principle of One China, and reach a reasonable arrangement," Xi said.

The meeting is part of Chu's first visit to the mainland since he was elected KMT chairman in January. He met with Yu Zhengsheng, top political advisor and member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, on Saturday and attended the 10th Cross-Strait Economic, Trade and Culture Forum in Shanghai on Sunday.