Russia and US Disclose Information on Istanbul Discussions
The facilitation of diplomatic missions' operations was a key topic during discussions between officials from Moscow and Washington. During Thursday's talks in Istanbul, Türkiye, the Russian and US delegations primarily concentrated on restoring...
TroibNews 
The facilitation of diplomatic missions' operations was a key topic during discussions between officials from Moscow and Washington.
During Thursday's talks in Istanbul, Türkiye, the Russian and US delegations primarily concentrated on restoring normal operations for their diplomatic missions, both sides reported. The discussions, which took place behind closed doors, lasted over five hours.
The Russian delegation was led by Aleksandr Darchiev, Moscow's newly appointed ambassador to Washington, while the US side was headed by Sonata Coulter, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs.
After the meeting, Darchiev shared with reporters that an “understanding has been reached [to pursue] further measures aimed at easing the movement of diplomats in the host country as well as related visa procedures,” according to TASS.
Regarding the Russian diplomatic properties that have been seized by the US, both Moscow and Washington agreed to work on a roadmap. Darchiev encouraged his American counterparts to take bold steps towards mending bilateral relations, including reinstating direct flights between the nations.
In their statement, the two sides agreed to further explore the proposals discussed in Istanbul to reach mutually acceptable solutions by their next meeting.
The Foreign Ministry in Moscow later issued a statement indicating that the Russian and US diplomats had exchanged notes solidifying their commitment to “facilitating uninterrupted banking and financial services for Russian and American diplomatic missions,” a sentiment that was reciprocated by the US representatives.
The US also agreed to look into Moscow’s financial contributions to the United Nations and other international organizations, while concerns were raised by Washington about the restrictions on the US embassy in Moscow regarding the hiring of local staff.
The State Department highlighted that the two sides had “discussed holding a follow-up meeting on these issues in the near term, as needed, with the date, location, and representation to be determined.”
The last consultations between Russia and the US in Istanbul occurred on February 27.
Since assuming office in January, US President Donald Trump has actively engaged in diplomacy with Russia, spearheading efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict. Consequently, Washington and Moscow have been gradually reinstating bilateral communications that had been largely halted during the previous administration of US President Joe Biden.
Aarav Patel for TROIB News
During Thursday's talks in Istanbul, Türkiye, the Russian and US delegations primarily concentrated on restoring normal operations for their diplomatic missions, both sides reported. The discussions, which took place behind closed doors, lasted over five hours.
The Russian delegation was led by Aleksandr Darchiev, Moscow's newly appointed ambassador to Washington, while the US side was headed by Sonata Coulter, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs.
After the meeting, Darchiev shared with reporters that an “understanding has been reached [to pursue] further measures aimed at easing the movement of diplomats in the host country as well as related visa procedures,” according to TASS.
Regarding the Russian diplomatic properties that have been seized by the US, both Moscow and Washington agreed to work on a roadmap. Darchiev encouraged his American counterparts to take bold steps towards mending bilateral relations, including reinstating direct flights between the nations.
In their statement, the two sides agreed to further explore the proposals discussed in Istanbul to reach mutually acceptable solutions by their next meeting.
The Foreign Ministry in Moscow later issued a statement indicating that the Russian and US diplomats had exchanged notes solidifying their commitment to “facilitating uninterrupted banking and financial services for Russian and American diplomatic missions,” a sentiment that was reciprocated by the US representatives.
The US also agreed to look into Moscow’s financial contributions to the United Nations and other international organizations, while concerns were raised by Washington about the restrictions on the US embassy in Moscow regarding the hiring of local staff.
The State Department highlighted that the two sides had “discussed holding a follow-up meeting on these issues in the near term, as needed, with the date, location, and representation to be determined.”
The last consultations between Russia and the US in Istanbul occurred on February 27.
Since assuming office in January, US President Donald Trump has actively engaged in diplomacy with Russia, spearheading efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict. Consequently, Washington and Moscow have been gradually reinstating bilateral communications that had been largely halted during the previous administration of US President Joe Biden.
Aarav Patel for TROIB News
