Hu's Singapore visit strengthens ties

SINGAPORE, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to Singapore paved the way for the signing Thursday of four agreements between the two nations.

Hu and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong witnessed the conclusion of the agreements, one of which will help link the Singapore University of Technology and Design with China's Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, Channel News Asia reported.

"They will get to know the Chinese market much better, and what sort of products and ... to be able to sell to the markets in China," said Fang Ai Lian, a trustee at the Singapore institution.

Officials also agreed to set up a China Cultural Center in Singapore.

The two countries also formalized the loan of two Chinese pandas to Singapore, ending months of talks, the report said.

The fourth agreement relates to a five-year framework on exchanges of government officials.