"The results (of the exercises) will be included in a safe navigation treaty for submarines outside (the two countries') territorial waters, which will be signed by the Russian and French governments," Babenko was quoted as saying by the Russian news agency Interfax.

As part of the maneuvers, the Russian nuclear submarine "Vepr" and the French nuclear submarine "Emerald" were conducting a number of underwater and surface exercises, Babenko added.

A Russian anti-submarine warfare vessel, the "Admiral Chabanenko", and the French destroyer "Tourville" are also taking part.

The maneuvers, similar to those conducted a year ago in the Barents Sea, northwest of Russia, will last through September 20, Babenko said.

Following the exercises, the "Vepr" will dock at the port of Brest in northwestern France, making it the first Russian Northern Fleet vessel to visit a foreign port, according to Babenko.

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