US-RUSSIA: Talks In Istanbul 'Substantive And Businesslike' - Russian MFA

Reuters reporting that diplomatic talks between US and Russian officials in Istanbul yesterday were “substantive and businesslike” according to a Russian Foreign Ministry statement, with Russia suggesting the US, “consider restoring direct air links”.

• The Russian MFA noted that the US and Russian officials discussed issues related to diplomatic property and “agreed to continue the dialogue through this channel.”
• A US State Department readout of the meeting noted that the US, “raised concerns regarding access to banking and contracted services as well as the need to ensure stable and sustainable staffing levels at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow.”
• State added that, “through constructive discussions, both sides identified concrete initial steps to stabilize bilateral mission operations in these areas.”
• State added that principals, “agreed to hold a follow-up meeting on these issues in the near term, with the date, location, and representation to be determined.”
• Neither readout mentioned the war in Ukraine, with officials noting ahead of yesterday's summit that the ongoing format is primarily designed to resolve issues in the bilateral relationship and take steps to restore diplomatic and commercial ties.