Members of the Red Cross Societies from both sides of the Taiwan Straits met on Thursday in Quanzhou City, southeast China's Fujian Province to participate in rescue drills, the first time since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The joint drills were held to enhance the cooperation of the societies on both sides, including water rescues, disaster relief and medical treatment.

The organizers said that this is a tradition that dates back more than three decades, and the drills this time are part of a recent agreement by both sides to have better response and assistance.

The drills involved more than 100 people and several participants spoke with CGTN.

"I am so excited the drills have resumed after the COVID-19 pandemic, and today, our brothers and sisters from both sides of the Straits can meet here," said Li Shaoxiong from the Red Cross Water Rescue Team of Fujian Province.

"I am so happy. For me, this is my first time to come to Fujian Province and to communicate with our brothers and sisters here," said Liu Chin-Ling from Taiwan Nantou Red Cross Society.

"The drill shows that we are a family, and various simulations help us to achieve better coordination. This is a very good opportunity for us," said Jin Lifen, leader of Fujian Red Cross Emergency Relief Team.

There are many veterans who have taken part in previous drills. They are happy to see a new generation pass on their traditions.

"For many years, we contributed together to conduct emergency rescues at sea. The epidemic in the past three years disrupted our arrangement, and now, I believe we will bring back what we have missed," said Tsao Erhchung, a member of the supervisory board of the Taiwan Red Cross.

"Only through sincerity in communication can our people on both sides of the Straits truly benefit," he said.

And both sides also signed a cooperative agreement and they said they plan on further cooperation.