Russian and U.S. diplomats have held talks in Istanbul to discuss ways to normalize the operation of their embassies after diplomatic expulsions.

US raises concerns over banking access, contracted services and stable staffing at its Moscow embassy, says State Department - Anadolu Ajansı

The U.S. State Department has released a statement on the Russian-American meeting held in Istanbul on February 27.

Russian and U.S. diplomats met in Istanbul on Thursday to discuss normalizing the operation of their respective embassies after years expelling each others' diplomats. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the talks followed an understanding reached during President Donald Trump's call with Russian President Vladimir Putin and

"We expect that today's meeting will be first in the series of similar expert consultations that will move us closer, together with the U.S., in overcoming disagreements and strengthening trust," spokesperson Maria Zakharova said during a press briefing.

Russian and U.S. teams held six hours of talks in Turkey on Thursday to try to restore the normal functioning of their embassies, and President Vladimir Putin said initial contacts with Donald Trump's new administration had inspired hope.

The United States and Russia held "constructive discussions" regarding their diplomatic missions during a meeting in Türkiye on Thursday, February 27. The parties agreed to hold another meeting "in the near term,