CHELYABINSK, Russia, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Leaders from the member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) gathered in Russia's Chelyabinsk Friday to observe a joint anti-terrorism drill.

The drill was the final stage of the first ever joint military exercises involving all six member states of the SCO.

The exercises, dubbed "Peace Mission 2007," began in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Aug. 9 before moving to Chelyabinsk in Russia's Ural Mountains region. The exercises were due to finish on Aug. 17.

According to China's Ministry of Defense, the drill does not target other countries and does not involve interests of countries outside the SCO.

The joint anti-terror military drill serves as a "deterrence" to terrorists, said General Xu Qiliang, deputy chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

The joint drill is significant in that it helps reinforce the anti-terror capabilities of the SCO member states and meanwhile intensifies partnership among them in defense affairs, said the senior officer.