Negotiations between Russia and the USA took place in Istanbul

The talks between the Russian and US delegations on "problematic issues" in bilateral relations and the restoration of embassy activities have concluded in Istanbul. The meeting lasted almost six and a half hours.

The talks began at about 10:00 in the morning at the residence of the US Consul General in the Arnavutkoy district on the Bosphorus. The Russian delegation left the negotiation area at 18:20 Tashkent time.

No information was provided about the members of the delegation participating in the meeting. According to Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry (MFA), diplomats responsible for Russian-US relations participated in the meeting. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also noted that the talks were attended by “high-ranking diplomats and experts.”

On the eve of the meeting, Lavrov expressed his opinion on “how quickly and effectively” Russian-US relations could develop. The talks discussed issues such as the number of embassy staff, visa processing and banking operations necessary for diplomats to work.

Before the meeting in Turkey, two technical contacts were established between Moscow and Washington. During the talks in Riyadh on February 18 of this year, the sides agreed on the need to resume the activities of their diplomatic missions. According to Lavrov, Russia and the US agreed to ensure the appointment of ambassadors to Moscow and Washington in the near future.

It should be recalled that the number of staff at US diplomatic missions in Russia was gradually reduced starting in April 2021. This process began after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree imposing restrictions on diplomats from "unfriendly countries". In response to this decision, the US Embassy reduced its services to Russian citizens. Follow “Zamin” news on “Telegram”