Minister of Foreign Affairs David Lin.

Taipei, Nov. 5 (CNA) The upcoming talks between President Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) and Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) in Singapore will focus on cross-Taiwan Strait peace and stability, Minister of Foreign Affairs David Lin (林永樂) said Thursday.

The government has conducted scenario planning in preparation for the historic Nov. 7 meeting and will make sure that it does not involve political negotiations, Lin said during a legislative hearing.

He said the meeting will not lead to any downgrading of Taiwan's status, adding that it will be held under the principle of equality and dignity, with proper courtesy accorded by the Singaporean government.

It is major progress in cross-strait relations for the leaders of the two sides to meet in a third country, the minister said.

(By Tang Pei-chun and Y.F. Low)
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