China and Russia have begun an annual project to monitor the water quality of rivers on the boundaries of the two countries.

Experts from both countries will start monitoring work at three sections of the Heilong and Wusuli rivers over the next week.

According to a plan agreed last year, China sent five scientists to take water samples beginning May 24 from sections of the rivers at the towns of Mingshan and Wusu, and Tongjianghayu Island. Russian experts will begin work on May 30.

After the monitoring work is completed, data will be exchanged and jointly analyzed.

Russia has been concerned about the ecological protection and pollution conditions of the Heilong River basin, especially the water quality of Heilong and Wusuli rivers.

China and Russia signed a joint memorandum in February 2002, and later designated a special department to take charge of monitoring and improving water quality in boundary rivers.

According to the Memorandum, the two sides decided to monitor 27 indexes in the chosen sections eight times between 2002 and 2003, including two joint efforts.

(Xinhua News Agency May 31, 2003)