China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has agreed with its Russian counterparts to cooperate in conducting port security checks during next month's Olympic Games.

Border security officials from the two sides would share security information, coordinate security checks of people crossing the border and join forces in dealing with emergencies to ensure the safety of the Manzhouli port during the Games, said Zhao Dongfang the Manzhouli border checkpoint head.

"We have signed an agreement to this purpose," he said. "Representatives from both sides will meet in 20 minutes during the day, or in 40 minutes at night, in case of emergencies of mass incidents."

"We would call each other via direct phone lines if something important comes up."

Both sides have agreed to offer quality and fast service for Olympic delegations.

Manzhouli is China's largest port bordering Russia. It is also the country's largest railway port handling more than 60 percent of the goods traded between the two countries via land.

Border security departments from both sides have already held several drills to jointly deal with emergencies, and the work was done successfully.

Chinese security officials at the port have also beefed up enquiries and personal checks for the security of the Games.

(Xinhua News Agency July 25, 2008)