Negotiations on "problematic issues" in bilateral relations between the Russian and US delegations, as well as the restoration of embassy operations, have concluded in Istanbul. The meeting lasted nearly six and a half hours.
The negotiations began around 10:00 AM at the residence of the US Consul General located in the Arnavutkoʻy 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 delegations participating in the meeting. According to Maria Zakharova, a representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, diplomats responsible for Russia-US relations participated in the meeting. Additionally, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized that "high-ranking diplomats and experts" took part in the negotiations.
On the eve of the meeting, Lavrov expressed his thoughts on how "quickly and effectively" Russia-US relations could develop. Issues such as the number of embassy staff, visa processing, and necessary banking operations for diplomats were discussed during the negotiations.
Before the meeting held in Turkey, two technical communications had been established between Moscow and Washington. During negotiations held in Riyadh on February 18 of this year, the parties agreed on the necessity of restoring the operations of their diplomatic missions. According to Lavrov, Russia and the USA have agreed to ensure the appointment of ambassadors to Moscow and Washington soon.
It should be noted that the number of staff at the US diplomatic missions in Russia has been gradually reduced since April 2021. This process began after Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree imposing restrictions on diplomats from "unfriendly states." In response to this decision, the US embassy had reduced the services it provides to Russian citizens.
