BEIJING, May 21 (Xinhua) -- 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.