A meeting between Russian and U.S. delegations took place in Istanbul with the aim of normalizing the operation of diplomatic missions in both countries. The talks lasted more than six hours at the residence of the U.S. Consul General in the Arnavutköy district, reports Baltimore Chronicle.
The Russian side was led by Alexander Darchiev, Director of the North America Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, while the U.S. delegation was headed by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Russia and Central Europe, Sonata Coulter. The discussions centered on the return of six Russian diplomatic properties seized in the U.S., easing the visa regime for diplomats, and ensuring uninterrupted financial services for diplomatic missions.
Both parties agreed to work on a “roadmap” aimed at resolving these issues. They also discussed easing restrictions on the movement of diplomats in their respective host countries. The previous round of negotiations took place on February 18 in Riyadh, where systematic challenges stemming from prior U.S. administrations’ actions were addressed.
Officials from both sides refrained from making public statements after the talks. However, the Russian Foreign Ministry noted that the Istanbul meeting is part of an ongoing series of consultations designed to resolve long-standing issues in bilateral relations.
Earlier we wrote that Zelensky identifies Ukraine’s priorities for talks in Istanbul.