US and Russian delegations meet in Istanbul: Critical talks for a diplomatic solution

The meeting organized between the US and Russia to address issues affecting the operations of their embassies has begun in Istanbul. The Russian delegation arrived at the US Consulate General residence in Istanbul at 09:50 and began the talks. This meeting, aimed at resolving problems in diplomatic relations between the two countries, seeks to reduce tensions between the parties.

US and Russian delegations previously met in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, on February 18 to discuss bilateral relations and ending the war in Ukraine. This meeting was seen as part of steps to reduce tensions between the parties. US President Donald Trump announced that he would 'probably' meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saudi Arabia soon to discuss ending the Russia-Ukraine war.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced the meeting to be held by the US and Russia on February 27 in a statement yesterday, using the following expressions:

''Our diplomats will address the systematic problems that accumulated during the previous administration. These problems relate to issues hindering the work of the embassies. Such a meeting will be held tomorrow in Istanbul.''

On the other hand, Trump's statements have increased expectations for establishing a direct dialogue between the leaders of the two countries. However, it is not yet clear whether a summit between the two leaders will take place. The meeting in Istanbul is seen as an important step toward making diplomatic channels between the parties functional again.

SUPPORT FOR NEGOTIATIONS FROM TURKEY

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reiterated that by hosting the talks between the US and Russia, Turkey is ready to provide all kinds of support to peace efforts. Following his meeting with Lavrov on February 26, Fidan made a statement expressing that Turkey aims to contribute to the resolution of regional and global problems by continuing its mediation role in international diplomacy.

Turkish Foreign Ministry officials stated that they support all efforts toward the peace process and are ready to provide the necessary contribution to develop dialogue between the parties.

According to the US press, restrictions hindering the work of diplomatic missions, visa issues, and reductions in personnel numbers have made communication between the parties difficult. If positive results are obtained from today's meetings, it is expected that diplomatic relations between the US and Russia will be gradually strengthened.

WHAT IS THE SUBJECT OF THE MEETING?

The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that systematic problems accumulated during the previous administration would be addressed, noting that issues hindering the work of the embassies would be put on the table. The meeting in Istanbul aims to normalize diplomatic relations between the two countries.

In a report by NBC News, the meeting held between the US and Russian delegations in Istanbul was evaluated as an important step toward improving diplomatic relations between the parties. Achieving concrete results from this meeting is of great importance, especially for lifting restrictions on embassy operations and normalizing diplomatic relations.

The meeting in Istanbul was seen as an opportunity to re-establish dialogue between the two countries. In the foreign press, it was estimated that Russia and the US would also exchange views on the situation in Ukraine.

News Source: 12punto