China, Pakistan sign agreements

BEIJING, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Visiting Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari signed several agreements in China but it was not known if a nuclear cooperation deal was among them.

The agreements signed between Chinese President Hu Jintao and Zardari, who is making his first trip to his country's close ally after becoming president, included protocols to enhance cooperation in information technology, energy, agriculture, industry, minerals, trade and space technology, Pakistan's Dawn newspaper reported.

Since the recent conclusion of the India-U.S. civilian nuclear agreement, Pakistan reportedly has been seeking a similar deal. There was speculation China and Pakistan may reach such a deal during Zardari's trip.

It was also not known if Pakistan secured any substantial soft loans from China.

Prior to leaving Tuesday on his four-day trip, Zardari told China's Xinhua news agency, "I am hoping to remind the leadership of the world how close our relationships are."

Dawn had reported Pakistan, whose relations with the United States are currently strained, planned to purchase scanners, arms and other equipment from China.

Hu was quoted as reiterating China's support for Pakistan's efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Zardari's said terrorism and extremism were threatening his country's stability and must be fought.