Rome - Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari presided Wednesday over the signing of a defence memorandum between their two countries.

"The agreement aims to increase the exchange of intelligence and bilateral trade in the military field," Berlusconi said, at a joint news conference with Zardari in Rome.

Zardari, who said he was "impressed by the personality" of Berlusconi, thanked the conservative premier for Italy's "support in the war against terrorism."

The two leaders also discussed recent attacks on religious minorities in Pakistan, including Christians.

"We affirm our tolerance for all religious minorities in Pakistan and their right to worship," Zardari said.

Berlusconi said the Pakistani president, who is on a three-day visit to Rome, would also discuss the issue of religious tolerance during a scheduled meeting with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican on Thursday.

Earlier Wednesday following talks with Zardari, Paolo Scaroni the CEO of Italy's state-controlled energy giant, ENI, said the company has won a new onshore natural gas concession in Pakistan.

Scaroni also said ENI is also in longer-term talks to bring gas from the Caspian Sea region to Pakistan, India and China.

Zardari said Berlusconi was considering visiting Pakistan together with a delegation of Italian leaders to explore investment opportunities. (dpa)