BEIJING -- A Chinese mainland official on Saturday called on youths in Taiwan to contribute to the advancement of cross-Straits relations and pledged continuous support for Taiwan youths seeking development on the mainland.

Liu Jieyi, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, addressed via video link the opening of the 8th Cross-Straits Youth Festival held in Fuzhou, East China's Fujian province.

Liu noted in his speech that a vast number of Taiwan compatriots and enterprises have made contributions to the mainland's battle against the COVID-19 epidemic.

As the mainland has taken the lead in effectively containing the epidemic, and its economic and social development has shown resilience and vitality, Taiwan youths will enjoy brighter prospects of development on the mainland, he said.

Liu encouraged Taiwan youths to seize the opportunities and work with youths on the mainland toward national rejuvenation and reunification.