Chinese President Hu Jintao (L3), together with leaders of other Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) members, listen to the introduction prior to a joint anti-terrorism drill, dubbed "Peace Mission 2007", staged by the six member states of SCO, in Chelyabinsk of Russia, August 17, 2007. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    CHELYABINSK, Russia, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Strike against terrorism is an important mission of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), China and Russia, Chinese President Hu Jintao said here Friday.

    "China and Russia are both unswervingly against terrorism in any form," Hu said while meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin at a military base near the Ural Mountain city.

Chinese military vehicles run for the battle during the "Peace Mission 2007" anti-terror drill in Chelyabinsk of Russia, August 17, 2007. The final stage of the "Peace Mission 2007" anti-terror drill, sponsored by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), was conducted Friday in Chelyabinsk in Russia's Ural Mountains region. (Xinhua Photo) More photos of SCO anti-terror joint drill Photo Gallery>>>

    "At present, the non-traditional elements threatening security are still notable. Terrorism is posing severe threat to world peace and development," Hu said.

    The Chinese president said the two sides have sound cooperation in cracking down on the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism and expect such ties to be further enhanced.

    The two leaders observed an anti-terrorism war game early Friday, which involved about 4,500 troops from SCO members, including China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

    "The joint military exercise is very successful, it attracts wide attention and wins high appraisal from the international community," Hu said.

    The drill has improved the SCO countries' anti-terror capabilities, fully revealed their determination and perseverance of anti-terrorism and will push the SCO to play a greater role in safeguarding regional security, he said.

    Hu spoke highly of Moscow's preparation for the exercise and thanked Russia for its backup for the participating Chinese troops.

    For his part, Putin said the drill demonstrates a high level of the Russian-Chinese strategic partnership of cooperation.

    The drill is of great importance for maintaining regional security and stability, indicating the security cooperation in the SCO framework has been upgraded to a new level, Putin said.

    Russia and China share the same stance and interests in their fight against the "three evil forces" of terrorism, separatism and extremism, and are responsible for and capable of taking coordinated actions in this field, Putin noted.

    Russia lauded its security cooperation with China, hoping the two countries to continuously join efforts with other SCO members to contribute to regional security and stability, said Putin.

    Before the joint anti-terror military drill, Hu paid a state visit to Kyrgyzstan and attended a SCO summit in Bishkek.

SCO conducts final stage of joint anti-terror drill

    CHELYABINSK, Russia, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- The final stage of the "Peace Mission 2007" anti-terror drill, sponsored by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), was conducted Friday in Chelyabinsk in Russia's Ural Mountains region. Full story

SCO leaders observe joint anti-terror drill

    CHELYABINSK, Russia, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Heads of state and defense ministers from the member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) gathered in Russia's Chelyabinsk on Friday to observe a joint anti-terrorism drill. Full story

Hu, Putin meet in Bishkek

Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin during their meeting in Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan, Aug. 16, 2007. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang) Photo Gallery>>>

    BISHKEK, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao called here Thursday for timely coordination between China and Russia of stance on bilateral ties and major regional and global issues.

    Hu made the remarks while meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Full story

SCO leaders sign declaration on security, stability

Chinese President Hu Jintao (7th L) and the other top leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and leaders of some countries and international organizations pose for a group photo at the 7th meeting of the Council of the SCO Heads of State in Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan, August 16, 2007. (Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BISHKEK, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Top leaders of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), at the 7th meeting of the Council of the SCO Heads of State, signed a declaration Thursday on international security and stability as well as other major issues of common concern. Full story