The "Friendship-2006" China-Pakistan joint anti-terrorism exercise, initiated on Dec. 11, concluded Monday in the hilly area of northern Pakistan's Abbottabad.

With participation of hundreds of army officers and soldiers from both sides, the military exercise includes weapons and expertise display, and command exercise and exercise of troop, under a subject of "anti-terror operation in mountainous terrain."

Conducted in the wake of Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to Pakistan, the joint operation is for the implementation of the consensus reached by leaders of both countries in anti-terrorism cooperation, said Lieutenant General Lu Dengming, leading the Chinese observation delegation.

The joint operation has demonstrated the resolution of both countries of fighting against terrorism, and will help to enhance communication and understanding between the two armies in anti- terror operation, and safeguard the regional peace and stability, Lu Dengming said.

Tariq Majeed, Lieutenant General, head of the Pakistani observation delegation, told media here that the exercise is well coordinated and excellently conducted, and both sides have shared and benefited from the skills and expertise of each other.

This land-based joint anti-terrorism drill, the second one between the two countries since 2004, came as part of activities of celebrating the 55th anniversary of the establishment of Sino- Pakistani diplomatic relations.

In August 2004, China and Pakistan held the first joint anti- terrorism military exercise in western China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Source: Xinhua