The Pakistani government issued a commemorative coin of 10 rupees Thursday to celebrate 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Addressing a ceremony at the finance ministry, Finance Secretary Salman Siddique, "Pak-China friendship is time-tested and progressing by leaps and bounds. The exemplary friendship between the two countries is higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the ocean. We all are proud of the friendship with China and it is in the heart of every Pakistani."

Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Luo Zhaohui said that China-Pakistan relationship is based on the principles of all-weather friendship. Both countries have stood with each other on all international and national issues.

Referring to the 60-year friendly relationship between the two countries, Luo said that this relationship will continue in the next 600 years and for ever and future generations of the two countries will benefit from this mutual cooperation.

The 10-rupee coin was issued by the State Bank of Pakistan. It is made of 70 percent of copper and 25 percent of nickel with a diameter of 27.5 mms and weight of 8.25 gms.

(Xinhua News Agency October 1, 2009)