US holds second round of talks with Russia over Syria

American and Russian defence officials on Saturday discussed – through video conference – what steps to take for de-confliction and safe separation of US-led coalition countering Daesh and Russian fighter jets flying over Syria, a Pentagon spokesman said.

“The discussions were professional and focused narrowly on the implementation of specific safety procedures,” Peter Cook said. “Progress was made during the talks, and the US agreed to another discussion with Russia in the near future.”

The video conference session, which lasted approximately 90 minutes, has been the second since Moscow began airstrikes inside Syria on Sept. 30.

The first was on 1st October, but since then the US and Russian jets have flied too close to one another more than once, according to the Pentagon.

Captain Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman told reporters last week the U.S. had to re-route its aircraft in order to avoid any mishap, stressing the urgent need for American and Russian officials to handle de-confliction.

The Defence Department also has received a formal response from the Russian Ministry of Defence regarding the US proposal to ensure safe air operations over Syria, according to Cook.

“Department leaders are reviewing the Russian response, and talks could take place as soon as this weekend,” he said.