The Russian consulate in Istanbul announced that progress has been made in securing banking and financial services for Russian and US diplomatic missions during the second round of bilateral talks held in the city.

According to a press release, the delegations exchanged diplomatic notes formalizing commitments aimed at enabling uninterrupted financial operations for embassies and consulates. These measures also aim to support Russia’s contributions to the budgets of the United Nations and other international organizations.

Both parties agreed to develop a roadmap addressing the return of six diplomatic properties owned by Russia that were confiscated by US authorities. In addition, discussions covered easing visa processing and travel regulations for diplomatic personnel in both countries.

The Russian side also called for resuming direct air flights between Russia and the United States.

The next round of talks is still being scheduled.

Earlier in the day, the second round of discussions concluded after roughly five hours, with the US delegation departing the Russian consulate in Istanbul, as reported by Xinhua.

These talks are narrowly focused on resolving operational issues affecting the embassies and consulates of both nations. US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce clarified that the discussions are not about broader bilateral relations or the conflict in Ukraine.

“Ukraine is not, absolutely not on the agenda,” Bruce stated. “These talks are solely focused on our embassy operations.”

The first round of these negotiations took place in Istanbul on February 27. In recent years, mutual expulsions of diplomats by both Washington and Moscow have severely disrupted diplomatic functions.