"A global framework will be the basis of discussion and . . . the principle of equality will govern," he said.
In addition, he said, "both governments agreed to the principle of on-site verification" of adherence to an arms reduction agreement.
In Moscow, the central topic was the reduction of medium-range weapons--those that are deployed in Europe by the West and by the Soviet forces in Eastern Europe.
Optimistic Tone
Reagan, who, with his senior advisers, has spoken optimistically in the past days about Shultz's talks with Gorbachev and Soviet Foreign Minister Eduard A. Shevardnadze, continued in the same tone Saturday.
He pointed out that when he met with Gorbachev in Reykjavik last October, an understanding was reached on the "basic tenets of an agreement to reduce intermediate-range missiles.
"In the intervening months, we have been encouraged by signs of Soviet willingness to remove the roadblocks that have been holding back progress," Reagan said.
Later, Reagan made an afternoon visit to a camp, near his ranch, for children with cancer.
At the camp, he said: "There is great reason for hope. It's the first time there has ever been a Russian leader who has actually suggested eliminating--doing away with--some of the weapons."
'A Little Superstitious'
Asked by a reporter about the prospects for a summit conference, Reagan said: "I feel very good. I'm also a little superstitious. I don't want to talk about things until they happen."
He also responded to 9-year-old Michael Covel of Riverside, who asked, "How's Mr. Shultz doing on the ordeal . . . of nuclear missiles?"
Reagan replied, "He's come home very optimistic, and we're all looking forward to carrying this through to where we can make some start in eliminating these terrible ballistic missiles."
The President began making contributions to the privately funded camp for young cancer victims after reading about it three years ago in Reader's Digest. He used the visit to the camp, two miles from his mountaintop ranch, to espouse the virtues of voluntarism, but he also was asked about retirement.
"I have thought about the possibility of writing a book," he said, "so that you could get the true story of what has been going on."
Michael Wines reported from Washington and James Gerstenzang from Santa Barbara. Times staff writer Thomas B. Rosenstiel in Santa Barbara also contributed to this story.
