China and Russia on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to cooperate on building an international scientific and research station on the moon, according to China National Space Administration (CNSA).

CNSA's Director Zhang Kejian and Dmitry Rogozin, director general of Roscosmos, Russia's space agency, signed the MOU via a video conference, initiating the broad cooperation between the two sides in the project.

An international lunar research station is a comprehensive scientific experiment base built on the lunar surface or orbit that can run independently on a long-term basis to conduct multi-disciplinary and multi-objective scientific research activities, such as lunar exploration, moon-based observation, basic science experiments and technological verification.

The two countries will jointly formulate a roadmap for the construction of the lunar research station, and coordinate closely in the whole process including the planning, demonstration, development, implementation and operation. They will also promote the project to the international space community, said the CNSA.

It added that the two sides will further strengthen scientific research exchanges, and promote peaceful exploration of space.