Chinese, Pakistani presidents exchange greetings over anniversary of formal ties

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Pakistani counterpart, Mamnoon Hussain, on Saturday exchanged greetings over the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between their countries.

Xi said in a message that China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic partners of cooperation, and that China-Pakistan ties have stood the test of the changing international and domestic situations in the past 65 years.

In recent years, China-Pakistan relations have maintained a strong momentum and the two countries have witnessed progress in practical cooperation and people-to-people and cultural exchanges, Xi said.

China regards Pakistan as an important partner in the Belt and Road Initiative, and the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will lay a solid foundation for the shaping of a community of shared destiny for the two nations, he said.

"I attach great importance to China-Pakistan relations, and would work with you to create a better future for China-Pakistan relations," Xi said in his message to Hussain.

Hussain said in his message, "China has always proved to be an iron brother, steadfast friend and a reliable partner of Pakistan."

"Our long-standing and ever-growing partnership with China is based on mutual respect, trust and shared values," he added.

"As we commemorate the 65 years of diplomatic relations, it is a time to reflect and cherish the past achievements, and a time to look ahead towards our future aspirations and dreams," said the president.

He also urged both sides to pass the narrative of friendship to later generations.