Xinjiang seals deal on Pakistan trade

URUMQI: A "vital" trade and energy deal has been agreed between Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and the bordering North West Frontier province of Pakistan, it was announced yesterday.

Both areas have vowed to further explore partnerships over oil and gas resources, trade, sustainable energy, agriculture and water-saving and irrigation technology, explained Nur Bekri, the chairman of the region.

"As the closest province to Pakistan, Xinjiang is obliged to contribute to the firming up of relations between the two nations," he said after signing the deal in capital city Urumqi.