Qian noted that, after the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States, the issue of security has attracted the world's increasing attention and its connotations have been expanded.

The security issue cannot be resolved by any one country alone but requires international cooperation, Qian was quoted as saying by a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman.

Qian stressed that China and Russia share broad common interests in the field of security and should consult one another constantly.

Apart from cooperation and consultation within the United Nations, China and Russia have also enhanced their joint efforts to maintain peace and stability in their region in recent years within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The organization stresses the fight against international terrorism, ethnic separatism and religious extremism.

Qian told his Russian guest that China supports the strengthening of counter-terrorism efforts within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Rushailo replied by saying that China and Russia, both victims of terrorism, should further enhance their cooperation to fight against the evil. He also stressed the special role of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Rushailo added that counter-terrorism efforts should follow international guidelines and be approved by the UN.

Qian said China supports the resolution and easing of regional tensions in line with the UN Charter and the norms of international relations.

Rushailo also met Chinese Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan and Chinese Defence Minister Chi Haotian separately.

During their meeting, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Tang called for the establishment of a new security concept featuring mutual trust, reciprocity, equality and coordination. Tang stressed the comprehensive use of political, economic, diplomatic and legal measures and consultation on an equal basis to resolve international disputes.

Tang also called for the unfair and irrational international economic order to be gradually changed to drastically reduce the causes that lead to threats to security.

According to Xinhua News Agency, when meeting with Rushailo on Tuesday, Chinese Defence Minister Chi Haotian said that Russia was a priority for China when cooperating in the field of international security. Rushailo said that Russia would be willing to further expand bilateral cooperation in such areas as security.

(China Daily July 18, 2002)