President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s strategic partnership with China on Thursday, as the two countries marked 75 years of diplomatic relations at a ceremony and photo exhibition in Islamabad.

Pakistan was the first Muslim country to recognise the People’s Republic of China and among the earliest nations to establish diplomatic ties with Beijing, in 1951, Prime Minister Shehbaz said at the event.

“Through mutual efforts, sincerity of purpose and shared commitment, we have built a relationship which is second to none and truly unique in the world,” he said.

The ceremony was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress Cai Dafeng, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, federal ministers, parliamentarians and diplomats.

President Zardari congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people on the milestone, saying the relationship was built on mutual trust, unwavering support and shared development goals. He said bilateral cooperation had expanded across trade, investment, infrastructure, technology, defence and people-to-people exchanges.

President Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the One China Policy and thanked Beijing for its consistent support on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. He praised the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a historic initiative playing a transformative role in Pakistan’s socio-economic development, and singled out Gwadar Port as a landmark of Chinese support.

The president said he had visited China 14 times, including two visits last year, and recently travelled to the birthplace of Chairman Mao Zedong. He unveiled a commemorative postage stamp marking the anniversary on the occasion.

PM Shehbaz said China had stood by Pakistan “like a solid rock” during earthquakes, floods and economic crises. Recalling the 2010 floods, he said China was among the first to respond, sending helicopters, medicines, doctors and experts.

“How can we forget these acts of kindness and generosity on the part of the Chinese people,” he said.

PM Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s support for the One China Policy “without fear or favour” and described CPEC, launched under Xi’s Belt and Road Initiative, as a symbol of China’s commitment to Pakistan’s prosperity.

On future cooperation under CPEC 2.0, he identified agriculture, information technology, artificial intelligence, special economic zones, and mines and minerals as key areas. He also highlighted China’s support in training Pakistani agricultural graduates at Chinese universities.

On security, PM Shehbaz assured Beijing that Pakistan would provide its highest level of protection to Chinese nationals working in the country.

“The security meant for the prime minister and president should be available for every Chinese citizen in Pakistan,” he said.

The prime minister expressed hope that President Xi would visit Pakistan during the year-long 75th anniversary celebrations.

Cai Dafeng said China and Pakistan had always stood firmly by each other and reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national dignity. He pledged deeper cooperation in education, agriculture, mining, industry, information technology, climate change and media, and stressed the importance of coordination at multilateral forums including the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

The event opened with the national anthems of both countries. It concluded with President Zardari, PM Shehbaz, Chinese dignitaries and Ambassador Jiang jointly cutting a commemorative cake, while Pakistani and Chinese children performed together in celebration of the bilateral friendship.