High-Level Diplomats from Russia and the US Convene in Istanbul to Revive Embassy Operations
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Synopsis
Top diplomats from Russia and the US are meeting in Istanbul to address the operational disruptions of their embassies caused by the Russia-Ukraine war and prior US policies. The talks aim to restore normalcy and build confidence between the nations.
Key Takeaways
- High-level discussions in Istanbul focus on embassy operations.
- Agreements reached in Riyadh to appoint ambassadors.
- Systemic issues arise from past US policies.
- Diplomatic relations are under review post-Trump's presidency.
- Proposals for economic collaborations, including rare earth metals.
Istanbul, Feb 27 (NationPress) - The leading diplomats of Russia and the United States are gathering in Turkey's Istanbul on Thursday, aiming to restore normal operations at their embassies, which have faced disruptions since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war and actions taken by the previous US administration.
"Today's discussions between Russia and the US at an expert level are taking place in Istanbul to explore solutions to various irritants. We anticipate this will be the first of numerous expert consultations aimed at bridging our differences and enhancing confidence-building measures," stated Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry.
The discussions follow a consensus reached during a high-profile meeting in Riyadh last week, which included Lavrov, Russian Presidential Aide Yury Ushakov, and a US delegation led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff. During this meeting, both parties agreed to promptly appoint ambassadors and initiate consultations at the deputy foreign minister level to eliminate restrictions on the diplomatic missions' operations.
The downsizing of embassy personnel in both nations began in 2014 when previous US administrations implemented a policy of "systemic containment" against Russia, as reported by the Russian news agency Tass.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on Wednesday, "We have stated that our diplomats and leading experts will convene to tackle the systemic issues that have accumulated due to the previous [US] administration's illegitimate actions intended to create artificial barriers for the Russian embassy, to which we have responded similarly, also imposing uncomfortable conditions for the operation of the US embassy in Moscow."
Since resuming his role as US President last month, Donald Trump has demonstrated a desire to reset relations with Russia. Earlier this week, Russia proposed a deal concerning rare earth metals with the US to bolster ties. In early February, Presidents Putin and Trump engaged in their first official phone call since the US leader took office, during which they discussed halting hostilities in Ukraine and the potential for a face-to-face meeting soon.
