ISLAMABAD, Sept 30: Pakistan and China inked an agreement to cooperate in the field of meteorology here on Thursday. The agreement was signed by Yanchao Hong, a senior official of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Dr Qamaruz Zaman, director-general of the Pakistan Meteorological Department. Secretary Federal Cabinet Ejaz Rahim and Ambassador to China Salman Bashir were also present on the occasion.

Under the agreement, the two institutions will undertake research projects in the field of atmospheric sciences. They will exchange scientists and professionals in order to strengthen understanding and know-how in areas of common interest.

It is for the first time that the two countries entered into a formal arrangement for bilateral cooperation in the meteorological sector. They also agreed to investigate the impact of Himalayas as well as the Tibet Plateau on regional weather and climate variability.

The agreement to be operative for a period of five years will also help assess the variability of monsoon system and its relationship to global warming.—APP