China and Pakistan will hold joint antiterrorist exercises entitled Friendship-2010 in China in summer, the Renmin Ribao newspaper said on its website on Sunday citing the Chinese National Defense Ministry.

The exercises are believed to contribute to developing cooperation and friendship between the two states as well as to raise their capability to counter terrorism and ensure peace and stability in the region.

The two countries held military consultations in early March, discussing the program of the drills, which will be the third such exercises, and confirming that they would not be aimed against any third party.

Friendship exercises were previously held in 2004 and 2006, employing 200 and 400 troops from both sides respectively.

BEIJING, March 7 (RIA Novosti)