Nepal and China yesterday celebrated their 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

In a message sent to Chinese President Hu Jintao, on the occasion of the establishment of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China, King Gyanendra said, "It is a matter of great satisfaction that our relations are marked by mutual respect and understanding in an atmosphere of mutual trust and friendship."

Chinese President Hu responded, "For 50 years since the diplomatic ties were established, China-Nepal relations have stood the test of changes of international vicissitudes, and made steady headways."

Nepal and China had established their diplomatic relations on August 1, 1955. A number of events are being organized in both the countries to mark the golden jubilee of their diplomatic ties.