MOSCOW, November 17. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued orders to the command of the cruiser Moskva, currently in the Mediterranean, to establish cooperation with the French military, due to begin cooperation with Russia in the anti-terrorist military operation in Syria soon.

"A French aircraft carrier task force is to approach your area soon. You are to establish direct contact with the French counterparts and cooperate with them as with allies," Putin said on Tuesday.

The chief of the General Staff and the Defense Minister have already received instructions on that score, he said.

"It is essential to draw up a plan for joint operations on the sea and in the air," Putin said.

The commander-in-chief issued the instructions while visiting the National Defense Centre, where he heard video reports by commanders conducting the anti-terrorist operation in Syria.