BEIJING -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif exchanged messages on Saturday to congratulate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan.

Li said in his message that Pakistan is China's good neighbor, good friend, good partner and good brother.

Over the past 65 years, China and Pakistan have always adhered to the five principles of peaceful coexistence, have trusted each other politically, have cooperated with and benefited each other economically, and have supported and understood each other on issues related to each other's core interests, said Li.

China always views and develops China-Pakistan relations from a strategic and long-term perspective, and is willing to work together with Pakistan to speed up the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and promote continued development of the all-weather strategic partnership of cooperation between the two countries, he said.

Sharif said in his message that Pakistan and China are iron brothers, and their strong relations are based on mutual respect and similarity of perceptions on bilateral, regional and international issues.

"I am glad that our two countries are celebrating 65th Anniversary with great zeal and fervor," Sharif said.

"Our continued work on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is a manifestation of our commitment to break new grounds of fruitful cooperation while consolidating the existing bonds of friendship," he said.

"I hope that we will continue to actively promote people-to-people exchanges between our countries, so that this journey of friendship continues forever," he added.

China and Pakistan formally established diplomatic relations on May 21, 1951.