(Xinhua)
Updated: 2007-09-05 09:47

MOSCOW -- The Sino-Russian joint anti-terror exercise "Cooperation-2007" kicked off here on Tuesday.

China and Russia are expanding cooperation in combating illegal immigration, smuggling and international crime, Wu Shuangzhan, Commander of Chinese People's Armed Police Force told reporters at the opening ceremony of the drill.

The exercise, carried out within the framework of the "Year of China in Russia," was not targeted at any third country and did not infringe on the interests nor pose any threat to any third state, Wu said.

He said the joint anti-terror exercise is necessary as terrorism posed a great threat to world peace and stability.

Russian Interior Minister Rashid Nurgaliyev said he was "confident that the exercise will help improve mutual understanding and strengthen cooperation between the two countries."

The exercise, which is divided into three phases, will last for three days. Around 600 troops, from the Chinese Snow Leopard armed police unit and a Russian special task force unit, are taking part in the exercises.