¡¡   BEIJING, Feb. 21 (Xinhuanet) -- China and Pakistan celebrated the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries at a reception here on Tuesday.

    Addressing the reception, visiting Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf said that Pakistan commits itself to the all-round development of its partnership with China.

    He said Pakistan and China, as close neighbors, enjoy the friendship deeper than the ocean and higher than the mountain.

    The two countries have increased their cooperation in the past 55 years, he said, noting that the Pakistani people, as sincere friends of China, are pleased with and encouraged by the remarkable achievements that China has made in modernization drive.

    Musharraf said Pakistan is ready to enhance exchanges and cooperation with China in various spheres and levels, thereby raising the traditional friendship between the two countries to anew height.

    Chinese State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan said that the China-Pakistan relations have stood the test of time and volatile international situation, due to the unswerving efforts of the two governments and the two peoples.

    The Sino-Pakistani relations have set a good example for countries with different social systems to get along with each other in friendly relations, Tang noted.

    In line with its commitment of building friendships and partnerships with neighboring countries, he said, China will further promote exchanges and cooperation with Pakistan, and increase coordination with Pakistan in international and regional issues, in a bid to push forward the China-Pakistan relations.

    The reception, jointly hosted by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the Pakistani embassy in China, was attended by more than 400 participants from all circles of life. Enditem