ISLAMABAD - President Asif Ali Zardari Tuesday said that strengthening of economic links with China would be his top priority during his four-day visit to Beijing. The President said this to media persons before leaving for China on his maiden state visit abroad. His Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao has invited him and the visit is aimed at further cementing bilateral relations and building trust and friendship between the two countries. Zardari's visit is considered to be of great significance as Pakistan is confronted with numerous challenges including economic which is at the top of the list. Pakistan is also under immense pressure from Washington with repeated demand of doing more on the front of war against terrorism. Islamabad is hopeful of inking civil nuclear cooperation deal with Beijing during this visit. Before his departure, Zardari told the official Chinese news agency, "China is the future of the world. A strong China means a strong Pakistan." He said Chinese progress and development had impressed him. The President said he was looking forward to a long-term economic cooperation with China and his state visit to the neighbouring country would focus on trade and economic ties. "The concept of Pakistan-China relationship is not a five-year plan," he said, referring to the program for economic and trade cooperation signed between the two counties during Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit in 2006 when the two countries agreed to increase their bilateral trade volume to 15 billion US dollars by 2011. The President said he would like to visit China 'every three months' to know more about the Chinese economy and seek potential cooperation in all areas. Pakistan and China will sign at least 10 agreements and MoUs to further reinforce cooperation in trade, counter-terrorism, commerce, industrial development, banking and power sector during President's four-day visit to China. The two countries may also finalise details to further strengthen cooperation in peaceful use of nuclear energy. China helped Pakistan construct a 300-megawatt nuclear power plant at Chashma, which went critical a few years ago, while another plant of similar capacity is currently under construction at the same site. Pakistan has decided to purchase scanners, arms and other equipment from China instead of the US to combat terrorism and the issue will come under discussion during visit. The Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Defence, Finance, and Environment and the Deputy Chairman of Planning Commission will accompany the President. Zardari will meet his counterpart Hu Jintao, Chairman of National People's Congress Wu Bangguo, Premier Wen Jiabao and Chairman of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Jia Qinglin. Agencies add: President Zardari was given a very warm welcome when he arrived here Tuesday on his maiden state visit to hold talks with the Chinese leadership, giving renewed impetus to the already existing strong and time-tested bilateral bonds between the two countries and cooperation in various fields. The President was received and greeted at the airport by Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Hu Zhengyue and senior Chinese officials as well as officials of Pakistan Embassy. The President was presented a guard of honour. A Chinese girl presented him a bouquet on the occasion. The formal welcome ceremony for the President will be held today (Wednesday) at the Great Hall of the People, where he will be received by Chinese President Hu Jintao. Pakistan and China are traditional allies with long-standing economic and commercial relations. Pakistani officials say 'important agreements will be signed' during Zardari's visit to enhance cooperation in various sectors and seek China's urgent help in the current economic crisis. Meanwhile, Ambassador to China Masood Khan has said that a civil nuclear pact is expected between China and Pakistan during President Zardari's maiden visit to China. Talking to a private TV channel on Tuesday, Masood Khan said both the countries would ink several agreements in the field of technology, agriculture, minerals and free trade agreement (FTA). Khan said the President would also sign a new protocol of free trade in which permission for more trade will be granted. To a question on civil nuclear pact, Khan said, "Both countries have always supported the peaceful use of civil nuclear energy, adding agreement is expected in this connection." He said Zardari's four-day visit to Beijing will be a milestone in the bilateral relationship "which have matured into comprehensive strategic partnership" between the two sides. Khan said the two countries had "exemplary friendly relations" and the top leadership is committed to further deepen the 'time-tested' ties.