MOSCOW - The Council of CIS Defense Ministers chaired by Russian Defense Minister Sergey Ivanov has started its meeting in Moscow today. Opening the meeting Ivanov pointed out that the analysis of development of relations within the CIS testified to the fact that the CIS members had united their efforts to counteract potential dangers including international terrorism. He also pointed out that CIS military institutions were solving similar tasks, such as modernization of their armed forces and the creation of an adequate system of management that corresponded to modern requirements and threats.

Participants of the meeting will discuss a draft program of military cooperation through 2010 and approve the agenda of the council's meetings in 2005 and joint activities within the framework of the CIS air defense system in 2005.