China, Mexico to strengthen cooperation on water resources

Chinese and Mexican authorities met on Monday to discuss the renewal of a memorandum of understanding, signed in 2011, to strengthen cooperation on the management of water resources, a Mexican commission announced Monday.

The agreement covers the exchange and cooperation on irrigation technology, water supply in rural regions, the sustainable exploitation of aquifers, the reuse of residual water, and the prevention and mitigation of disasters, such as floods and droughts.

The Mexican National Water Commission said the Chinese side is interested in learning from the Mexican experience in administering water resources, especially concerning the aquifers of Mexico City.

"One of their goals is to understand Mexico's irrigation systems and to reach a cooperation agreement on how to develop the administration of subterranean water resources," the commission said.

The Chinese side is also interested in the commission's strategy on water management, especially on how to prevent flooding while maximizing the reuse of residual waters, it said.

The commission hailed the cooperation between China and Mexico on water issues, and said that the "sharing of successful experiences between both nations has strengthened Mexico's water policy, allowing the government to focus on improving water conditions for the well-being of the public and the social and economic development." Endi