The China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) signed in Khartoum on Wednesday a donation agreement with the Sudanese Ministry of Welfare and Social Development to help improve the country's social system.

Under the agreement, the CNPC will offer the ministry US$1 million to help improve conditions of social institutions and facilities in Sudan.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, CNPC President Jiang Jiemin said that the company observes the principle of mutual benefit and common development and will continue to contribute to the growth of the Sudanese economy and charity activities.

Sudanese Minister of Welfare and Social Development Samia Mohammed told Xinhua that CNPC top management came to the ministry to offer to set up a fund in support of those who need help, and the ministry needed to forge partnerships with various organizations to fulfill its mission.

She said that the ministry will consult with the company to make good use of the fund.

Meanwhile, the CNPC also signed another agreement with the Sudanese Ministry of Energy and Mining, under which the Chinese oil company will earmark US$900,000 to train Sudanese oil professionals.

The CNPC began its business in Sudan in 1995 and has since then donated more than US$30 million in charity activities.

(Xinhua News Agency February 1, 2007)