ISLAMABAD, Sep 30 (APP): President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani has felicitated their Chinese counterparts on the occasion of 60th anniversary of China.President Zardari in his message sent to President Hu Jintao expressed warmest felicitations on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan on China’s historic occasion.He said, “Pakistan Peoples Party has a very old association with the People’s Republic of China. The founder and first Chairman of the PPP, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was the principal architect of Pak-China all-weather friendship.”

He said as a result of Bhutto’s vision, the brotherly ties between Pakistan and China flowered into a comprehensive strategic partnership based on mutually beneficial cooperation.

Zardari said China’s civilizational renaissance is a defining theme of the 21st century.

“For us in Pakistan, China’s success story has come to serve as a source of inspiration and confidence. We believe that China is a factor of stability and hope for the people of the world,” he said.

The President said the belief is reinforced by the fact that China’s growth has brought peace, prosperity and harmony in its immediate neighbourhood and beyond.

“Through our deep and abiding friendship, Pakistan and China can together make a significant contribution to fashioning a better future for all people and work towards creating a peaceful and harmonious world,” he said.

Prime Minister Gilani in his message sent to Premier Wen Jiabao extended sincere felicitations to the people of China.

He said China’s phenomenal ascent over the last six decades bears testimony to the wisdom of its leaders and genius of its people.

“As a close friend and good neighbour of China, Pakistan deeply appreciates China’s initiatives for creating synergies and building mutually beneficial economic complementarities for progress and social harmony in Asia and beyond,” he said.

Gilani said the model set by China, a special friend and a time-tested partner, is a source of pride, inspiration and admiration.

“Our close and friendly relations with China have been and will remain the cornerstone of our foreign policy. We believe that our friendship and cooperation will only gain in strength in the future, fortified by our common resolve to imbue it with ever greater vigour and vitality,” he added.

He conveyed best wishes for Chinese Premier’s good health, happiness and the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of China.