The first phase of the drill took place in the Almaty region in Kazakhstan Thursday. It started at 11:30 AM (0530 GMT) and ended at 4:50 PM (1050 GMT).

Law enforcement bodies and special forces from the two countries are taking part in the three-day drill, code-named "Tianshan-I (2006)," which is the first-ever joint anti-terror exercise between the two countries in the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

An official with China's Ministry of Public Security said the drill focuses on coordinated joint action, rapid response and efficiency in anti-terror cooperation.

He said it aims to enhance cooperation between law-enforcement and security departments of the two countries and display determination in joint anti-terror efforts so that security and stability can be maintained in border areas.

The drill, the third of its kind conducted within the SCO framework, will be witnessed by representatives from SCO member state law-enforcement and security departments and leaders of regional anti-terror organizations.

The SCO consists of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

(Xinhua News Agency August 26, 2006)