US State Department issues statement on Russia-US summit in Istanbul

In the written statement, it was noted that during the second meeting between the US and Russian delegations in Istanbul, the parties "exchanged diplomatic notes to finalize an agreement aimed at ensuring the stability of diplomatic banking for the missions of both countries."

The statement read, "Continuing the constructive approach established at the February 27 meeting, the US and Russian delegations exchanged diplomatic notes to finalize an agreement aimed at ensuring the stability of diplomatic banking for the bilateral missions of Russia and the US."

The statement further noted that the US reiterated its "concerns regarding Russia's policy prohibiting the employment of local staff," adding, "This policy remains the most significant obstacle to maintaining stable and sustainable staffing levels at the US Embassy in Moscow."

It was also stated that the US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Russia and Central Europe, Sonata Coulter, and the Russian Ambassador to Washington, Aleksandr Darchiyev, discussed holding a follow-up meeting on these issues in the near term if needed, with the date, location, and representation to be determined.

PARTIES MEET FOR THE SECOND TIME

The US and Russian delegations held a meeting lasting approximately 6 hours at the Russian Consulate General in Istanbul to discuss embassy operations.

The Russian delegation was led by the Russian Ambassador to Washington, Aleksandr Darchiyev, while the US delegation was led by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Russia and Central Europe, Sonata Coulter. The meeting drew significant attention from numerous Turkish and international members of the press.

The Russian and US delegations, who first met in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, on February 18, had previously addressed topics such as the restoration of bilateral relations and ending the war in Ukraine. The parties held their first meeting in Istanbul to discuss embassy operations on February 27 at the US Consulate General residence in Istanbul.

News Source: AA