Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan met in Yining, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Monday with heads of military delegations of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and the Russian ambassador to China, who attended the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization) joint anti-terror drill in China.

The second phase of the SCO joint anti-terror drill started here Monday.

The heads of the military delegation to the SCO drill said the joint anti-terror drill by five SCO members reflected their firm stance to fight terrorism.

The drill also indicated the significance of the SCO members' solidarity, friendship and cooperation towards the maintenance of regional peace.

During the exercises, coalition soldiers would learn from each other, enhance mutual understanding and promote cooperation.
 
(Xinhua News Agency August 12, 2003)