Moscow and Washington discuss in Istanbul overcoming differences and normalizing diplomatic work

INA - RT

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova expressed Moscow's hope that the Istanbul talks, which began today, Thursday, would constitute the first step in a series of Russian-American consultations aimed at overcoming differences, enhancing mutual trust, and normalizing diplomatic work.

The talks, which are held between diplomatic delegations from the two countries, address ways to normalize the work of diplomatic and consular missions, in addition to discussing the obstacles imposed by the previous US administration that affected diplomatic work between Moscow and Washington.

For his part, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that "no one expects easy or quick decisions" in these negotiations, noting that the issues raised are "very complex," but he stressed that if there is political will and mutual willingness to listen to viewpoints, the two countries will be able to make progress in these consultations.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced yesterday, Wednesday, from Doha, that high-level diplomats from Russia and the United States will hold a meeting in Istanbul to discuss ways to normalize the work of the two embassies in the two countries.