Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Sunday said Pakistan and China enjoyed unique relations marked by the sentiments of love, mutual respect and their deep affinity was rooted in the hearts and minds of the peoples.

In his vote of thank at the joint session of Parliament after the address of the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Gilani said, "Pakistan considers China as a true and most reliable friend."

He said, "The destiny of our nations is inextricably linked and we share each others joys and sorrows."

Gilani referring to strong and solid friendship between the two countries said, "It is cherished by our peoples. No wonder, then, that this special friendship has stood the test of time and grown from strength to strength."

The prime minister said this most precious friendship and partnership has flourished through nurturing and care of successive generations of the leadership.

Referring to the comments of President Hu Jintao who described Pakistan and China as "truly good neighbours, close friends, trusted partners and dear brothers" the prime minister said President Zardari has defined friendship as being "higher than mountains and deeper than seas."

As China's true friend and sincere well-wisher, Pakistan rejoiced in the glorious successes achieved by their Chinese brethren, he added.

Gilani said China has also brought its characteristic wisdom, modesty and restraint to the conduct of global affairs.

He said China's moral voice and principled position on global issues evokes respect and admiration. Its stance served as a much-needed anchor of stability in an otherwise turbulent region adding that the world has a lot to learn from China.

Gilani said today was an especially auspicious day for the parliament as several Senators and Parliamentarians sitting here were part of delegations that had visited China.

The prime minister said institutional cooperation between Parliament and China National People's Congress has grown over the past two years.

He said all political parties, all parliamentarians, and the whole nation stands united in determination to take the friendship and partnership with China to even greater heights.

The prime minister said visit of Chinese Premier marked the beginning of the 60th anniversary celebrations of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

He said the Parliament of Pakistan will celebrate 2011 as the friendship year with China.

Gilani said, "Pakistan-China friendship is higher than the mountains, deeper than the oceans, stronger than steel, and sweeter than honey."

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