A regional workshop on emergency rescue in urban environments was inaugurated in Shanghai on Monday, to strengthen cooperation and communication between China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The four-day workshop, organized by the ASEAN Regional Forum, has brought together experts from 10 countries and regions.

It will include academic exchanges, technical training, on-the-spot investigations and joint drills, covering subjects such as fire fighting in high-rise buildings, underground buildings and subways, disposal of hazardous chemicals, and rescue of the injured.

Advanced equipment such as firefighting helicopters, robots, and ladder trucks, will be employed in the drills.

"Against the background of global climate change and the increasing risk of regional disasters, China would like to cooperate with all the other countries and regions to minimize losses in disasters and accidents and contribute to the prosperity of the region and people's well-being," Luo Yongqiang, deputy director of the Ministry of Public Security's Fire Department said during the opening ceremony.

ASEAN Regional Forum, founded in 1994, is one of the most important multilateral channels of security cooperation and dialogue in the Asia-Pacific region.

Wang Yueyang contributed to this story.

Contact the writer on zhouwenting@chinadaily.com.cn