2010-04-01 19:07

BEIJING - China on Thursday said it would step up anti-terror cooperation with Russia after a string of bomb attacks in Russia within this week.

"We will continue to strengthen cooperation with Russia on security issues and fighting terrorism to jointly combat 'three forces' (of terrorism, separatism and extremism), in a bid to safeguard peace and stability in the two countries and in the region," Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said at a news briefing in Beijing.

Two suicide bombings killed 12 people, including nine police officers, and injured another 26 in the Dagestani town of Kizlyawere Wednesday.

The blasts came two days after two female suicide bombers killed 39 people in attacks on the Moscow subway system that authorities have linked to North Caucasus militants.

Chinese President Hu Jintao has sent a telegram to Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev to extend condolences over the bombings, Qin said.

"China condemns terrorism in any form, and supports the efforts made by the Russian government and people to fight against terrorism and safeguard national security and social stability," said Qin.

Qin said fighting terrorism is an important part of China-Russia cooperation, and the two countries have conducted productive anti-terror cooperation within bilateral frameworks and the frameworks of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.