Sino-Russian anti-terror exercise kicks off

WATCH VIDEO

Source: CCTV.com | 09-05-2007 08:48

The Chinese Snow Leopard armed police unit makes preparations on Tuesday, September 4, 2007, before heading to Moscow for the Sino-Russian joint anti-terror exercise "Cooperation-2007". [Photo: Xinhua]

The Sino-Russian joint anti-terror exercise "Cooperation-2007" has kicked off in Moscow. The new level of cooperation is a bid to fight illegal immigration, smuggling and other international crimes.

Police chiefs from both countries watched a military parade staged by both units as well as a hostage scenario.

They also inspected the police base where Russian and Chinese officers will be training.

The drill is divided into three phases and will last for three days.

Rashid Nurgaliyev, Russian Minister of Interior, said, "Russian Federation and China have developed methods of fighting terrorism. Those methods should become known in all other countries, which understand that terrorism is a threat to all mankind."

The police commanders noted that the drill is being carried out within the framework of the "Year of China In Russia" and that it doesn't target any third country.

Wu Shuangzhan, commander Chinese People's Armed Police, said, "These exercises are being held within the framework of the fight against terrorism. They follow the principles of openness and transparency. The exercises are not directed against other countries and do not affect or cause any threat to other countries."

Around 600 policemen, from the Chinese Snow Leopard armed police unit and a Russian special task force, are taking part in the exercises.

This joint police exercise is expected to strengthen mutual understanding and inter-action between the two countries.