Russia says progress made in financial services for diplomatic missions during talks with US

By  News On Air   Apr 11, 2025

The Russian consulate in Istanbul said that progress has been made on ensuring banking and financial services for Russian and US diplomatic missions during the second round of bilateral talks in Istanbul yesterday. Delegations from the two countries exchanged diplomatic notes to formalise agreed commitments.

The consulate said in a press release that the two sides agreed to develop a roadmap regarding the return of six diplomatic real estate properties confiscated by US authorities and lawfully owned by Russia. They also discussed easing visa processing and travel regulations for diplomatic staff within the host countries, it said, adding that the Russian side urged promoting the resumption of direct air flights between the two countries.

The first round of talks was held in Istanbul on February 27. In recent years, Washington and Moscow have expelled numerous diplomats from each other’s countries, significantly hindering the ability of their diplomatic missions to function effectively.