China and Tajikistan held a two-day joint anti-terrorism drill in the Tajik capital of Dushanbe this week, aiming to safeguard both national security and strengthen cooperation on law enforcement and security to address the threats of terrorism and extremism both face, according to the Ministry of Public Security.

The joint drill was held by the Ministry of Public Security of China and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Tajikistan from Wednesday to Thursday (Aug 18-19).

Before the drill, Zhao Kezhi, state councilor and minister of Public Security, sent letters to Rakhimzoda Ramazon Hamro, Tajik minister of Internal Affairs, and Saimumin Yatimov, head of the State Committee for National Security, to wish the drill success.

The drill was held against the backdrop of the current anti-terrorism and security situation in the region, with some terrorist groups continuing to move and gather in northern Afghanistan, posing a serious threat to the security of China, Tajikistan and the region, according to the MPS.

In that context, the two ministries decided to hold the drill to further promote the level of joint combat readiness and combat skills of anti-terrorism forces on both sides, and demonstrate the determination of the two sides to fight terrorism to deter terrorist forces threatening the security of the two countries and the region.

Nearly 100 officers from both sides participated in multiple anti-terrorism courses, practiced tactical command and coordination and achieved their goals, MPS said.

The two ministries have conducted fruitful cooperation in counter-terrorism, and the success of this exercise has laid a sound foundation for joint drills. China will continue to deepen practical cooperation on law enforcement and security with Tajikistan and other countries in the region to safeguard peace and tranquility, MPS said.