The President approved a plan of military exercises in the Far East to be held on August 18–27, 2003.
Mr Ivanov and Admiral Kuroyedov reported the plan of exercises to the President.
The exercises will involve 68 ships and speedboats of the Pacific Fleet, 42 auxiliary vessels, the 5th Air Force and Air Defence Army, and, at certain stages, long-range aviation. The exercises comprise 45 episodes, which will practice counterterrorist actions, protection measures, including measures with the use of the Navy and the border troops.
The United States, Canada, China, North and South Korea and Japan have been invited as participants and observers.
Mr Putin asked the Defence Minister and the Naval Commander to report on the upcoming Russian-French exercises in the Sea of Norway.
Admiral Kuroyedov said it would be the first exercise in which the submarines of the two countries would take part. On the Russian side a big anti-submarine vessel, The Admiral Chabanenko, will be involved.