Beijing, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland welcomes exchanges and cooperation with Kaohsiung and other cities and counties in Taiwan, a mainland spokesperson said Wednesday.

Ma Xiaoguang, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks at a press conference in response to Kaohsiung mayor-elect Han Kuo-yu's comments about recognizing the 1992 Consensus.

Noting that the 1992 Consensus is the political foundation of the peaceful growth of the cross-Strait relations, Ma said city-to-city exchanges and cooperation should be based on a correct understanding on the nature of the cross-Strait relations and the nature of such exchanges.

Ma said people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should further promote mutual visits, deepen business cooperation and strengthen exchanges in various fields.

Responding to questions about a city forum between Shanghai and Taipei, which will be held in late December, Ma said the forum has been held annually since 2010 and serves as an important platform for exchanges between the two cities and people across the Strait.

Ma said he hoped the forum will further deepen exchanges in various fields between the two cities and promote the interests and wellbeing of people across the Strait.