China on Thursday reaffirmed its efforts to advance strategic partnership with Pakistan as President Asif Ali Zardari met extensively with the country's political and business leaders.

"China would like to work with Pakistan to take their substantive cooperation to a new high and benefit their peoples," top Chinese legislator Wu Bangguo told Zardari on Thursday afternoon.

Wu Bangguo(R), chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), shakes hands with visiting Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari during their meeting in Beijing October 16, 2008. [Xinhua]

This was Zardari's first official trip abroad since taking presidency in September.

In their hour-long talks, Wu spoke highly of the 57-year-old China-Pakistan diplomatic relations, citing political trust, economic cooperation and coordination on international issues.

Wu, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress(NPC), said the parliaments of the two countries would continue to conduct multi-tier exchanges, injecting a vitality into bilateral strategic partnership.

As part of Zardari's four-day trip to China, the two countries signed more than 10 agreements covering economic cooperation, trade, broadcast and communications satellites, environment, mining, agriculture and technology.

Hailing the visit "fruitful", Zardari said he had in-depth and extensive discussions with Chinese leaders and people of various circles, reaching consensus on further boosting bilateral ties.

Jia Qinglin (R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), shakes hands with visiting Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari in Beijing October 16, 2008. [Xinhua]

Later Thursday, top Chinese political advisor Jia Qinglin also met with Zardari at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in downtown Beijing.

Jia hailed the China-Pakistan all-weather partnership, saying it "had withstood the tests and kept up with the time."

In addition to seeking stronger economic ties, Jia proposed the two countries step up cooperation on culture, sports and tourism, promote the exchanges between the young people.

Zardari said Pakistan would work with China to cement neighborly ties, seek stronger cooperation and pass on their friendship.

Early Thursday, Zardari also met with business leaders from such industries as infrastructure, energy and telecommunications.

Zardari will wrap up his Beijing trip on Friday.

(Xinhua News Agency October 18, 2008)