The military forces of China and Mongolia are to launch a joint peacekeeping exercise Friday in the Beijing area, the Information Office of China's Defense Ministry said Thursday in a press release.

Coded "Peacekeeping Mission-2009", the exercise will be the first joint peacekeeping exercise China has held with another country, as well as the first joint military training between China and Mongolia.

The exercise includes academic lectures, joint training and comprehensive simulation drills. It will conclude July 4.

The exercise, which reflects the deepening pragmatic cooperation between the two militaries, will be conducive to enhancing mutual trust, promoting the relationship between the two militaries, and fostering the forces' ability to conduct joint peacekeeping operations, according to the press release.

(Xinhua News Agency June 25, 2009)