Castelgandolfo, 1 October (AKI) - Pakistani president Asif Ali Zardari met Pope Benedict XVI on Thursday at the pontiff's summer residence in Castelgandolfo, where they discussed topics including security and freedom of religion.

During the talks, "emphasis was given to the need to overcome all forms of discrimination based on religious affiliation, with the aim of promoting respect for the rights of all citizens," read a statement by the Vatican press office.

Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi on Wednesday also reminded Zardari of the plight of Christians in the majority-Muslim country and said he found Zardari "attentive".

In the past few months have seen mounting violence against minorities in Pakistan, especially the Christian community. In July, six Christians were burned to death, while in March and June there were reports of mob attacks against Christian homes and a church.

Zardari met the Pope at the end of his three-day visit to Italy where he met Berlusconi, Italian president Giorgio Napolitano and foreign minister Franco Frattini.

After meeting the pontiff, Zardari subsequently went on to meet the Vatican's number two, secretary of state Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone accompanied by Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, secretary for relations with states.

The Pope and Zardari are also said to have discussed security matters in Pakistan.

"The cordial discussions provided an opportunity to examine the current situation in Pakistan, with particular reference to the fight against terrorism and the commitment to create a society more tolerant and harmonious in all its aspects," said a communique by the Vatican.

On Wednesday, Zardari signed a joint intelligence-military agreement in Rome. They also signed an economic memorandum of understanding.