ULAN BATOR, June 14 (Xinhua) -- An annual multinational peacekeeping exercise, code-named Khaan Quest 2018, kicked off at Five Hills Training Area near the Mongolian capital on Thursday.

This year's Khaan Quest is scheduled to take place from June 14 to June 28.

Nowadays, keeping peace in the world is not one nation's obligation; it requires joint efforts from all humanity, Khaltmaa Battulga, president of Mongolia and commander-in-chief of the Mongolian Armed Forces (MAF), said at the opening ceremony of the military exercise.

"Taking this opportunity, I would like to enunciate that Mongolia is ready to maintain its peace-loving foreign policy, cooperate with other nations, and establish cordial relationships," he said.

A total of 1,400 military personnel from 26 countries, including Mongolia, the United States, China, Russia, Germany, Bhutan and Qatar are participating in the military exercise hosted by the MAF.

It is the first time for Bhutan and Qatar to take part in the drill.

The Khaan Quest 2018 will consist of a command post exercise and a field training exercise focusing on peacekeeping and stability operations. Individual events include checkpoint control, combat casualty care, water patrolling and civilian protection.

"I have no doubt that through these trainings, Mongolia, the United States and multinational forces will enhance peacekeeping operation capabilities, develop common tactics and techniques, and deepen mutual relationships," said Peter Mondelli, a colonel of the United States.

"Khaan Quest is one of the major opportunities for international military personal to cooperate and exchange experiences," he said.

The peacekeeping exercise was launched in 2003 by the MAF in cooperation with the then U.S. Pacific Command and a United Nations peace support fund. It expanded to a multinational drill in 2006.