YINCHUAN: Pakistan and China kicked off a joint anti-terrorism drill in Qingtongxia in northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region on Saturday.

The drill, code-named “Friendship-2010,” is the third of its kind between the two countries.

More than 200 people, including soldier participants and military spectators, attended the opening ceremony of the drill.

The drill was officially opened by Chief of General Staff Pakistan Army, Lieutenant General Khalid Shameem Wynne in an impressive ceremony held here today.

The 11 days Pak-China counter-terrorism training exercise will be conducted in three phases between the mix combat teams of special forces from both sides.

Lanzhou Land Military Commander PLA, Lieutenant General Wang Guosheng said that the joint exercise will be another feather in security cooperation field.

He appreciated the professionalism and success of special forces of Pakistan in the recent operations in fight against terrorism.

He landed the commitment and determination of Pakistani forces to eliminate the terrorism in all forms.

He further added that both sides will learn from each other’s rich experiences, which will be helpful in any future counter terrorism operation.

Lieutenant General Wynne said the present exercise is a testimony from both sides to defeat extremism and terrorism from our region.

He added that we (Pakistanis) greatly value our time tested ties with PLA and people of China, which is vital ingredient for regional security.

He appreciated the high professional standards of PLA as best Army in the world.

Earlier the national anthems of both countries were played and flags were hoisted. Display of weapons from both sides was appreciated by all the participants.

Courtesy by samaa.tv