Session of Russian-Chinese Working Group for Combating International Terrorism

Reaction to international terrorist threats and measures to combat drug trafficking, money laundering and financing of terrorism, as well as measures to counteract transborder crime, etc. were the centerpiece of the 3rd session of the Russian-Chinese Working Group for Combating International Terrorism, Anatoly Safonov, Russia's deputy Foreign Minister and the co-Chairman of the Russian part of the working group, announced on Tuesday.

According to his words, the working group, which unites foreign ministry officials, specialized departments, special services and defense ministry employees, was formed a bit over a year ago. The sides, however, have already gained some experience in cooperating. The current two-day session was held "in an atmosphere of professional and political trust," said Safonov.

He added that the Russian side had informed its Chinese partners about Russia's anti-terrorist consultations with other countries and the measures Moscow took to fight money laundering.

Negotiators also discussed the functioning of mechanisms of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and a scope of problems dealing with Afghanistan, its drug threat, and the activity of Al-Qaeda in new conditions.

Safonov and the delegation he heads had a meeting with the top leaders of the Chinese ministry of public security, Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan, and co-Chairman of the Chinese part of the working group Li Zhaoxing.