Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani Sunday lauded China's successes in various fields and said the success is a matter of great pride for the people and the government of Pakistan.

Pakistani Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani (4th R in the front) and Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Liu Jian (5th R in the front) cut a cake during a function marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in Islamabad May 8, 2011. Gilani on Sunday lauded China's successes in various fields and said the success is a matter of great pride for the people and the government of Pakistan. [Yan Zhonghua/Xinhua]

"Today China is the world's second largest economy. China has achieved this success through hard work, ingenuity, and above all the wisdom and vision of its leadership," Prime Minister Gilani said while speaking at a function here marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Chinese Ambassador Liu Jian, diplomats and Pakistani personalities attended the function and a Chinese cultural troupe enthralled the guests with their music, their colorful dresses and their spectacular display.

"Pakistan is fortunate to learn from the experience of a successful friend and a great neighbor. We are grateful to China for its commitment to share its development experience with us," Gilani said.

He said that successive generations of leaders in Pakistan and China have nurtured Pakistan-China relationship with a common vision, care and utmost sincerity.

"We are proud to have China as our best and most trusted friend and China will always find Pakistan standing beside it at all times," the Pakistani PM said.

He recalled that the historic visit of Premier Wen Jiabao last year was a demonstration of the unique relationship, adding that the visit strengthened the already existing cooperation between the two countries. "I am confident that this relationship will grow in strength in the days ahead," he said.

Gilani said he eagerly looks forward to his forthcoming visit to China later this month. "We have, and continue to greatly benefit, from the support of the Chinese leadership. China's unique development experience is a model for developing countries like ours to learn from".

He maintained that Pakistan-China relations are a unique example of abiding friendship, immense mutual respect and close partnership. "This relationship is based on immeasurable trust. Pakistan-China friendship is an anchor of peace and stability in this part of the world. There is no friendship like ours -true and strong," the Prime Minister said.