ISLAMABAD, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Pakistan Army and the Russian Armed Forces are conducting a joint counterterrorism exercise, "Druzhba-VIII," from Sept. 15 to 27, Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday.

"The exercise was aimed at refining the drills, procedures and techniques involved in counterterrorism operations with focus on drone warfare, fighting in built-up areas and counter-improvised explosive devices," the ISPR, the media wing of the Pakistan army, said in a statement.

The vice chief of general staff of the Pakistan Army attended the ceremony as the chief guest, while senior Russian military officials were also present, the ISPR said. Troops from both sides demonstrated high standards of professional excellence during the exercise.

The exercise also seeks to harness historic military-to-military relations between the two countries through joint training, according to the statement. ■