A multilateral treaty signed by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states on joint military exercises was expected to be ratified by China's top legislature in a week.

The pact was submitted by the State Council, or cabinet, to the sixth session of the 11th Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) for deliberation on Monday.

The treaty was signed by defense ministers of the SCO member states in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on June 27, 2007.

Its content accords with the basic principles and judicial practices of China's laws and serves the country's interests, the State Council said in a report to the lawmakers.

The treaty covers the authorizing institutions, decision making, consulting mechanism, compensation of loss and judicial issues involved in military exercises.

It took interim effect on June 27, 2007, which guaranteed the success of the "Peace Mission-2007" joint anti-terrorism military exercises held by the SCO from Aug. 9 to 17, 2007, Defense Minister Liang Guanglie told the lawmakers.

"The treaty laid a legal basis for the SCO joint military exercises and showcased the common will of the SCO member states to enhance mutual trust and cooperation," Liang said.

The SCO, founded in 2001, has six members: China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. It aims to enhance security, trade, cultural, military and judicial cooperation.

(Xinhua News Agency December 22, 2008)