Echoing Cao's views, Ivanov said the SCO is not a political or military bloc that aims to confront other countries.

"We do not intend to form a military alliance, but we do share the will of safeguarding peace and stability in the region," he told the press conference.

Russian Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov gestures during a press conference in Beijing April 26, 2006. China, Russia and four Central Asian states have agreed to hold anti-terrorism drills in Russia next year. [Reuters]

Ivanov said the military drills are open and transparent and would help stabilize the situation and strengthen the rule of law in the Eurasian region.

Military co-operation within the SCO has been strengthened following the September 11 terrorist attacks against the United States.

Last August, China and Russia staged joint military exercises dubbed "Peace Mission 2005" in Vladivostok of Russia and Qingdao of China.

At yesterday's press conference, Tajik Defence Minister Sherali Khairullaev also announced that his country plans to hold joint military drills with China in the latter half of this year.

The joint communique said the defence ministries of the SCO member states are willing to co-operate with other international organizations to fight against the forces of terrorism, secessionism and extremism and such transnational crimes as drug sales, arms smuggling and illegal immigration.

The next SCO defence ministers' meeting will be held in Kyrgyzstan next year, according to the document.