Premier Li Keqiang and his Pakistani counterpart Nawaz Sharif on May 21 exchanged congratulatory messages on the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

As good neighbors, friends and partners who adhere to the principles of peaceful coexistence, mutual political trust and beneficial economic cooperation, China and Pakistan always understand and support each other on issues concerning core interests, said the Premier.

Premier Li said that China views and develops bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, and is willing to work with Pakistan to speed up the building of China-Pakistan economic corridor, and push ahead steadily the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

“We are ‘iron brothers’ “, said Sharif in his message, adding that the firm relationship between China and Pakistan is based on mutual respect and similar views on bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues.

Sharif said he was pleased to see peoples of the two countries celebrating the anniversary, vowing to work together to promote the building of the economic corridor, consolidate traditional friendship and explore new areas of cooperation.

He also expressed the hope to promote culture exchanges and long-lasting friendly ties between the two countries.