Russia lauds 'substantive' talks with US in Istanbul
(VOVWORLD) - Russia said on Friday it had suggested restoring direct air links with the United States at what it described as "substantive and businesslike" talks in Turkey.
 A vehicle carrying the Russian delegation arrives at the residence of the US Consul General in Istanbul, Turkey on February 27, 2025. (Photo: Reuters) |
The six hours of talks between senior diplomats in Istanbul followed a Trump-Putin phone call on February 12 and a high-level meeting in Saudi Arabia on February 18.
The two sides say they want to negotiate an end to the conflict in Ukraine and discuss the possibility of major business deals, but are focusing first on improving bilateral ties. Putin said on Thursday that initial contacts with the Trump administration gave grounds for hope
The Russian Foreign Ministry said steps were agreed to ensure unimpeded financing of each side's embassies and to enable diplomats to work normally
"The need for practical results aimed at creating conditions for improving bilateral relations in the interests of the peoples of our countries was particularly emphasised," the Foreign Ministry said in its statement.
"In concrete terms, the American side was asked to consider the possibility of restoring direct air traffic."
A US State Department statement on Thursday said the talks had covered issues such as embassy staffing levels, visas and diplomatic banking. It did not mention air links.
Washington said the two sides had identified specific initial steps to "stabilise" the operations of diplomatic missions.