Switzerland and China will soon sign a formal agreement on enhancing their cooperation in the field of sustainable water management and hazard prevention, the Swiss government said on Tuesday.

Federal Councilor and Environment Minister Moritz Leuenberger will make his first official visit to China on April 16 to sign this agreement, according to a government statement.

During his five-day visit, Leuenberger will also hold official discussions with Chinese Minister of Water Resources Chen Lei, attend the third Yangtze Forum and visit the Three Gorges Dam, the statement said.

Due to their mountainous regions, Switzerland and China face similar natural hazards, according to the statement.

At the same time, both countries harness their hydropower and are faced with the question of river basin management, which is likely to become more pressing due to climate change, it added.

(Xinhua News Agency April 15, 2009)