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Yesterday, the California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) signed a memorandum of understanding with the country of Belgium to continue sharing high-speed rail planning and development information.

The agreement — formally with Belgium’s Federal Public Service Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation — was approved by CHSRA’s board in May.

Under the pact, the entities will exchange information on technical standards, purchasing and building methods, engineering “know-how,” funding options, and operations and maintenance data, according to a July 7 prepared statement. Belgium has been operating high-speed rail since 1997, with routes connecting Belgium with France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

“This is another example of the international recognition and support of California’s high-speed rail system,” said CHSRA Chairman Curt Pringle.

Added Belgium Consul-General Geert Criel: “The Belgian railways have been instrumental in making European high-speed rail a success through international technical integration. We’re happy to share this experience with the California HSRA.”