Islamabad, (People's Daily) - Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Cai Dafeng, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress, attended a reception Thursday in Islamabad marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan.

Chinese and Pakistani leaders cut a cake at the reception on Thursday morning, May 21, in Islamabad. (All photos by Zhao Yipu, People's Daily)

The two nations established diplomatic relations on May 21, 1951. The two countries established diplomatic relations on May 21, 1951.

Thursday's reception at the Serena Hotel was hosted by the Chinese Embassy and Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, drawing more than 300 guests from both countries.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif speaks at the reception.

Prime Minister Shehbaz said the 75th anniversary was not only about remembering the past, but also shaping the future.

"The commemoration will enable the two peoples, particularly the younger generations, to better appreciate the depth, breadth, vitality and future-oriented character of Pakistan-China relations," he said.

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari speaks at the reception.

President Asif Ali Zardari said the friendship between Pakistan and China was an ideal relationship based on mutual respect, trust and long-term cooperation.

"The two countries have always faced every difficulty and challenge together, while cooperation in the fields of defense, culture, people-to-people contacts and agriculture is continuously developing," he said.

Children from China and Pakistan attend a reception celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan.

Anniversary events are scheduled throughout the year.

Children from China and Pakistan dance at the reception.