MOSCOW, June 06. /ITAR-TASS/. Russia and China have signed an agreement on cooperation in coping with the consequences of natural disasters.

Russian Emergencies Minister Vladimir Puchkov and Chinese Minister of Water Resources Chen Lei have concluded a memorandum of intent on Friday.

“The document will ease procedures for providing aid and support, and exchanging information on vital activity security,” Puchkov said.

He suggested creating a joint working group for developing new technology and training specialists to assess flood risks.

In July 2013, Russia’s Far East and Northeast China were hit by the worst floods after days of torrential rains. The Amur River surpassed the warning level.

Chen Lei supported Russia’s the initiative and noted the importance of establishing permanent warning of water levels.

“I’m ready to cooperate with (Russian) colleagues, particularly in fighting the effects of floods. We’re also ready to expand business cooperation,” Chen Lei said.