Russia and the US do not mention Ukraine at new round of negotiations
Russia and the United States set the tone for a new round of consultations in Istanbul, Türkiye, while making no mention of Ukraine.
According to RIA Novosti, a statement on the Russian Foreign Ministry's website said that after talks in Istanbul (Türkiye) on April 10, Russia and the United States exchanged commitments on creating favorable conditions for embassies to easily use financial and banking services without interruption.
"The delegations exchanged notes confirming the agreement reached on mutual obligations to facilitate uninterrupted financial and banking services for Russian and US diplomatic missions, as well as the implementation of Russia's contributions to the budgets of the United Nations and other international organizations," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
In addition, Moscow also raised the issue of returning six Russian diplomatic properties confiscated by the US government. The parties agreed to develop the necessary roadmap.
"Russian Ambassador Alexander Darchiev particularly stressed the importance of urgent practical steps in this direction, including allowing Russian representatives immediate access to the facilities for inspection and damage assessment," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
Here, representatives of the two countries also continued to work to facilitate visa issuance and travel regimes for diplomats in the host country.
Ambassador Darchiev called for further action towards addressing issues that contribute to strengthening mutual trust and expanding business and social ties, including the resumption of direct air links.
The Russian Foreign Ministry stressed that after consultations, the parties decided to promptly resolve all proposals.
"The goal is to reach mutually acceptable solutions in the next round of consultations, the timing of which is still to be agreed," the ministry said.
On April 10, negotiations between the US and Russian delegations took place at the Russian Consulate General in Istanbul. The consultations lasted nearly 6 hours. The Russian side was represented by Ambassador to the US Alexander Darchiev; the US side was represented by Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Sonata Coulter. The remaining participants were staff members of foreign policy agencies of both sides.
