World ParaVolley has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the International Volleyball Federation ©Getty Images

World ParaVolley (WPV) and the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which means they will "explore co-operative opportunities" across all of the sport's disciplines.

World ParaVolley President Barry Couzner announced the partnership between the Para and able bodied Federations during WPV's Board meeting in Hangzhou in China.

FIVB President Ary Graca said his organisation is "very pleased" to cooperate.

"Using our beloved sport as a tool for integration and development, we would like to share the knowledge and expertise we have for the benefits of both parties," he said.

Couzner added he was "proud" to see the partnership formed.

World ParaVolley called the agreement
World ParaVolley called the agreement "significant" for the development of Para athletes ©World ParaVolley

"As a past FIVB Board member and current President of World ParaVolley, I am proud to see the two organisations come together and collaborate under an MoU," he said.

"This will prove to be a significant event for the development of our athletes and officials in the future.

"The cooperation of our two organisations on specific projects will enable both the FIVB and World ParaVolley to boast that volleyball in all its forms is a sport for all."

No specifics of what the agreement will mean in practice have been released, although it is said the MoU will provide "a firm platform to cooperate" in several areas including marketing, e-learning and major events.