China, Cuba Sign Environmental Protection Cooperation Agreement

HAVANA, Nov. 11 (Xinhuanet) -- Cuba and China signed a memorandum of understanding in Havana Friday to enhance their exchanges and cooperation in environmental protection.

Xie Zhenhua, director of the State Environmental Protection Administration of China, and Fernando Gonzalez Bermudez, head of Cuba's ministry of science, technology and environment (CITMA) signed the document at CITMA's office.

The document, which focuses on the marine ecosystem and the conservation of biodiversity, includes plans to improve environmental protection standards and promote environmental education.

China and Cuba will also expand their cooperation in environmental information, ecosystem protection, personnel training, pollution control and exchanges of scientific experts, according to the document.

The Chinese minister said he had seen for himself the scientific and technological progress of the island during his brief stay in Cuba, adding that Friday's agreement would further boost its development and the long-standing friendship shared by the two countries would bring about fruitful cooperation.

The Cuban minister said the document has great significance in strengthening bilateral ties between China and Cuba.

A Chinese delegation is in Cuba on a two-day visit, which includes tours to the Sierra del Rosario Ecological Reserve, a UNESCO protected area, and Havana's old city