Today Department of Defense officials held a secure video conference with officials from the Russian Ministry of Defense. The talks focused on steps that can be taken by Russian and counter-Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant coalition aircraft to promote safe flight operations over Syria. The discussions were professional and focused narrowly on the implementation of specific safety procedures. Progress was made during the talks, and the U.S. agreed to another discussion with Russia in the near future. The video conference lasted approximately 90 minutes.

[](https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/622711/statement-from-pentagon-press-secretary-peter-cook-on-talks-with-russia/#)