ISLAMABAD, : Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that Pakistan-China relations continue to grow in strength, substance and strategic significance as the two countries marked 75 years of diplomatic ties.

In a message on the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, the prime minister said the partnership was built on mutual trust, sovereign equality and shared goals of peace and development.

Shehbaz said the anniversary would help people in both countries, especially younger generations, understand the depth and future-oriented nature of Pakistan-China relations.

He said Pakistan and China established diplomatic relations on May 21, 1951, and the relationship had since developed into an All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership.

The prime minister said Pakistan highly valued China’s cooperation in multiple fields and remained committed to the One-China principle.

He also praised China’s economic development, technological progress, poverty alleviation and global connectivity efforts under President Xi Jinping’s leadership.

Shehbaz said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, had contributed to Pakistan’s infrastructure development, energy security, industrial cooperation and regional connectivity.

He said Pakistan remained committed to strengthening cooperation with China in trade, technology, development and connectivity.