Africa News 24 Pretoria Bureau
PRETORIA, South Africa – In a significant diplomatic development, Russian and US officials held expert-level consultations in Istanbul on 27 February 2025, focusing on the normalisation of diplomatic missions’ operations. The discussions, led by Alexander Darchiev, Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department of North America, and Sonata Coulter, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, marked a step toward resolving longstanding tensions between the two nations.
The talks built upon recent high-level engagements and sought to address diplomatic obstacles inherited from previous US administrations. Both sides agreed on measures to ensure uninterrupted financial support for their embassies and create favourable conditions for diplomats to fulfil their official duties.
A major development during the consultations was the U.S. government’s decision to approve Alexander Darchiev as Russia’s new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States. The American side formally conveyed a Note Verbale granting agreement for Darchiev’s appointment. His departure to Washington, DC, is expected in the near future.
The negotiations also tackled the contentious issue of Russian diplomatic properties in the US, particularly the restitution of six premises seized between 2016 and 2018. Russia indicated the importance of achieving tangible results in this matter to foster improved relations. Additionally, Moscow urged the US to consider reinstating direct air travel between the two countries, a move that could signify a further thaw in diplomatic relations.
More from Africa News 24
Russia condemns Zelensky’s Washington visit amid global diplomatic fallout
The discussions were described as substantive and businesslike, with both parties committing to continued dialogue.
Who is Alexander Darchiev?
Born in 1960, Alexander Darchiev has been a key figure in Russian diplomacy. Holding the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary since 2016, he has extensive experience in US-Russia relations.
Career Highlights:
- 1992-Present – Various roles within the Russian Foreign Ministry.
- 2003-2005 – Deputy Director, Department of North America.
- 2005-2010 – Minister-Counsellor at the Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C.
- 2010-2014 – Director of the Department of North America.
- 2014-2021 – Russian Ambassador to Canada.
- 2021-Present – Director, Department of the North Atlantic.
A graduate of Lomonosov Moscow State University with a Ph.D. in history, Darchiev is fluent in English and French. He is married and has one daughter.
As diplomatic negotiations continue, the approval of Russia’s new ambassador and discussions on pressing issues indicate a cautious but notable shift in US-Russia relations.
