The second round of talks between the US and Russia started in Istanbul on Thursday, aimed at normalizing embassy operations between the two countries. A US delegation arrived at the Russian Consulate General in Istanbul at 9:45 a.m. local time (0645 GMT).
US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce confirmed the meeting, stating that the focus would be on stabilizing bilateral mission operations, without political or security issues on the agenda. The talks, which are expected to last several hours, will not delve into Ukraine-related matters.
Russia’s Ambassador to the US, Alexander Darchiev, will lead the Russian delegation, while the US delegation will be headed by Deputy Assistant Secretary Sonata Coulter. Darchiev indicated that some progress had already been made on various issues prior to the meeting.
