Russian-US militaries discuss more efficient interaction in sky above Syria

MOSCOW, January 29. /TASS/. Representatives of Russia’s Defense Ministry and the US Department of Defense on Thursday held a video conference to discuss increased efficiency of interaction within the framework of the memorandum on prevention of incidents above Syria, the Russian ministry said Friday.

"On January 28, a video conference of authorized representatives of the Russian Defense Ministry and the US Department of Defense on implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding on prevention of incidents and ensuring security of aircraft flights during the operation in Syria’s airspace took place," the statement said.

"Issues of increasing efficiency of interaction within the framework of that agreement were discussed. An agreement to continue contacts on a regular basis was reached," it said.

The Pentagon reported on talks between American and Russian militaries on Thursday evening. The department specified that the talk was about observing the memorandum, increasing the security of operations by Russia and the coalition led by the United States in Syria, as well as opportunities to prevent accidents and undeliberate confrontation. The Pentagon called the talks constructive.

The memorandum on security of flights above Syria was signed last year. The Russian Defense Ministry said the document makes it possible to rule out undeliberate incidents between aircraft of Russia’s Aerospace Forces and the coalition led by the United States.