The Russian and American delegations will convene again in Istanbul on April 10th. Kremlin Spokesperson Peskov stated, “Our side will be represented at the level of the Foreign Ministry.”

Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov announced that the Russian side will be represented at the level of the Foreign Ministry in the negotiations scheduled to take place in Istanbul on April 10th with the USA. Peskov discussed the current issues with journalists in the Russian capital, Moscow. Responding to a question about the talks scheduled to be held in Istanbul on April 10th between the Russian and American delegations, Peskov said, “Our side will be represented at the level of the Foreign Ministry. The Ministry will disclose the necessary information.” Assessing the possibility of reinstating the New START Treaty on Strategic Arms Reduction with the USA, Peskov emphasized the need to first improve bilateral relations before considering negotiations on strategic stability. Peskov stated, “Such negotiations require bilateral relations to reach a certain level and mutual trust to be established.” He also noted the importance of taking into account the nuclear arsenals of other countries in discussions on arms control with the USA.

THEY HAD COME TO ISTANBUL IN FEBRUARY

The Russian and American delegations had met at an expert level in Istanbul on February 27th. The Russian Foreign Ministry had announced that the normalizing of the functioning of both countries’ diplomatic missions was discussed during the talks. It was revealed during the Istanbul meeting that joint steps would be taken to ensure continuous financing of diplomatic missions and the creation of suitable conditions for diplomats to perform their duties. The Ministry had reported that agrement (an approval letter) for the ambassador appointed to the USA was provided by Washington during the meeting.