Moscow - Saba:
The Russian Foreign Ministry has announced that based on the results of the second round of negotiations between Moscow and Washington in Istanbul, the two sides exchanged memoranda on mutual commitments to facilitate uninterrupted banking and financial services to embassies.
The Russian Foreign Ministry statement read: "The two delegations, headed by Russian Ambassador to Washington Alexander Darchev and US Deputy Secretary of State Sonata Coulter, exchanged memoranda confirming the agreement reached on mutual commitments to facilitate uninterrupted banking and financial services to Russian and US diplomatic missions, as well as to implement the Russian Federation's contributions to the budgets of the United Nations and other international organizations."
The statement continued: "In the context of the question raised by the Russian side regarding the return of six diplomatic properties confiscated by the US authorities and belonging to the Russian Federation, an agreement was reached to develop a "roadmap."
The statement added that "the two sides continued to work on facilitating visa procedures and travel arrangements for diplomatic mission staff in the host country. Russian Ambassador Alexander Darchev called for more active steps to resolve key issues that contribute to strengthening mutual trust and expanding trade and public relations, such as the resumption of direct air traffic."
The statement concluded: "Following the negotiations, a decision was made to immediately work on the proposals presented. The goal is to reach mutually acceptable solutions by the next round of negotiations, the timing of which is to be agreed upon."
Earlier on Thursday, Russian and US delegations concluded negotiations in Istanbul, and the US diplomats left the Russian Consulate General, according to Sputnik News.
The morning round of talks began Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. local time at the Russian Consulate General in Istanbul. Although hours have passed since the meeting began, a large number of journalists from Russian, Western, and Turkish media outlets remain outside the building, awaiting the outcome of the talks between the two sides.
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