Chinese experts are to train 15 officials from 10 Arab countries, including Jordan, Palestine, Yemen, Syria, Egypt and Lebanon, in water resources management from June 2 to 16.

 

The Workshop on Water Pollution and Water Resources Management for Arab Countries, the Ministry of Commerce and the State Environmental Protection Administration would jointly offer the training, said Yue Ruisheng, deputy head of the administration's international department.

 

As developing countries, Arab nations suffer environmental problems -- including water pollution and overuse -- similar to China, Yue said.

 

The workshop would offer participants China's experience in dealing with water pollution caused by urban growth and in drinking water security in the rural areas, Yue said.

 

They would also learn about China's water pollution and management, related laws and regulations, sewage treatment technologies and water monitoring systems, he said.

 

Arab League assistant secretary-general Ahmed Ben Helli said the workshop illustrated the practical implementation of the joint communique on environmental protection cooperation signed during the second ministerial meeting of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum that ended Thursday.

 

The two sides would strengthen educational, legislative and technological cooperation on environment protection, said Ahmed Ben Helli.

 

"I hope that all participants in the workshop will promote environmental protection causes in their own countries," he said.

 

(Xinhua News Agency June 3, 2006)