TAIPEI - Taiwan leader Ma Ying-jeou said on Monday that Taiwan authorities will continue to improve cross-Strait relations by promoting communication with the mainland and opening colleges to more mainland students.

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Ma made the remarks during a meeting with the delegation designated to attend this year's Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), which will feature famous dignitaries including Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Ma said that, after the mainland and Taiwan signed the landmark Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA,) students from the mainland and Taiwan have had more opportunities to interact. These interactions will help to achieve better relations and more opportunities for cross-Strait peace.

Ma sung high praises for the Cross-Straits Common Market Foundation delegation's participation in the BFA and its help in improving cross-Strait relations.

The BFA's annual conference will start on Friday at Boao, in China's southernmost province of Hainan. Participants will discuss various topics under the main theme of "inclusive development, common agenda and new challenges." Taiwan's delegation will fly to Hainan on Tuesday.