Joint command-staff antiterrorist exercises of the member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Norak-Antiterror-2009 began in Tajikistan today on the range Fahrabad Hatlon garrison, Kazakhstan Today reported citing Tajik mass media.
According to the chairman of the press centre of the Ministry of Defense of Tajikistan, Faridun Mahmadaliev, joint exercises will be carried out in two stages. The operative groups and divisions of special purpose of the Armed Forces of Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation and China will take part in the joint exercises.
According to F. Mahmadaliev, the goal of the joint exercises is coordination of cooperation of the participants in the organization of various antiterrorist operations, increase of vocational training and battle training, exchange of experience and practical skills, as well as further readiness in opposition to international terrorism, political extremism and separatism.