BEIJING, June 2 (Xinhua) -- The friendly cooperation between China and Pakistan has brought tangible benefits to the two peoples and contributed to international peace and development, said top Chinese political advisor Jia Qinglin here Friday.

Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, delivers a speech during a reception marking the 55th anniversary of the China-Pakistan relations in Beijing, June 2, 2006. (Xinhua Photo)

    "Since the two countries established diplomatic relations 55 years ago, China and Pakistan have carried out all-round cooperation and maintained close coordination in international and regional affairs," said Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference.

    Jia made the remarks at a reception marking the 55th anniversary of China-Pakistan relations.

    The chief reason for the long-term good relations between the two countries lies in the fact that both sides conduct cooperation on the basis of five principles of peaceful coexistence, said Jia, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

Jia Qinglin (2nd L Front), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, visits a photo exhibition marking the 55th anniversary of the China-Pakistan relations in Beijing, June 2, 2006. (Xinhua Photo)

    "The China-Pakistan relations have set a good example of friendly co-existence for developing countries with different cultural backgrounds," Jia said.

    "The signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Good-Neighborly Relations mapped out a blueprint for future development of bilateral relations," Jia added.

    Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao signed the treaty with his Pakistani counterpart Shaukat Aziz during his visit to Pakistan in April, 2005.

    Jia expressed his belief that bilateral relations could make new progress in the 21st century with the joint efforts of both sides.

    Pakistani Ambassador to China Salman Bashir said China is the most reliable friend of Pakistan, adding Pakistani government and people cherish Pakistan-China friendship and will enhance cooperation with China to ensure peace and prosperity in the region and the world. Enditem