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Russia, Turkey Sign Agreement To Ensure Flight Safety Over Syria


A Russian Su-25 jet fighter plane taxis at Hmeimim air base in Syria, with cluster bombs attached.
A Russian Su-25 jet fighter plane taxis at Hmeimim air base in Syria, with cluster bombs attached.

Russia's Defense Ministry says that it has signed an agreement with the Turkish Army to ensure flight safety over embattled Syria.

The ministry said on January 12 that the memorandum lays the groundwork for coordination between the two countries' air forces to "prevent accidents involving planes and drones" in Syrian air space.

The ministry said a Turkish delegation traveled to Moscow to sign the agreement.

Russia has a similar agreement with the U.S. military, which like Ankara and Moscow has been conducting air raids over parts of Syria.

Cooperation between Moscow and Ankara has grown in recent months. Late last year, Russia brought Turkey on board as a key partner to broker a cease-fire and peace settlement in Syria after negotiations sponsored by the United Nations stalled.

Based on reporting by AP and TASS

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