Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday had a telephone conversation with his Russian counterpart Dmitry Medvedev to emphasize the importance of cooperating in the battle against the severe floods in the area of Heilong River.

The river, which is called the Amur River in Russia, forms the border between the Russian Far East and Northeastern China.

Li said China and Russia have worked closely in the past to control disasters and save people's lives. He said China is willing to maintain mutual communication and coordination, share more information on flood observations and early warnings and conduct joint rescue operations.

Li said he also hopes Russia will use its reservoir at the upper reaches of the Heilong River to help control the flow of flood waters.

China Daily

(China Daily USA 08/23/2013 page3)