UPDATE - Moscow says new round of Russia-US talks to take place in Riyadh on March 24

UPDATES WITH MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TALKS

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov announced on Thursday that a new round of Russia-US talks will take place on March 24 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Speaking at a news conference in Moscow, Ushakov confirmed the date was set during a phone call with US National Security Adviser Michael Waltz.

"Michael Waltz, assistant to the president of the US for national security, said yesterday we had a conversation, and I confirm that it indeed took place. We speak regularly, and I find this communication highly beneficial for both sides," Ushakov stated.

He noted that the upcoming meeting will be held at the expert level to assess the feasibility of implementing a well-known initiative on Black Sea navigation security.

Ushakov referred to the agreement known as the "grain deal," brokered by Türkiye with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ involvement. However, he acknowledged that the agreement was never fully implemented.

"We have agreed with Mr. Waltz that experts appointed by our presidents will conduct bilateral consultations on this matter in Riyadh on Monday, March 24," he said.

The Russian delegation will be led by former deputy foreign minister and current lawmaker Grigory Karasin, alongside Sergey Beseda, adviser to the Federal Security Service (FSB) director.

Ushakov described them as "highly experienced negotiators with deep expertise in international affairs" and expressed hope for productive discussions.

In a separate statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, said: “The Russian delegation to Saudi Arabia will not comprise representatives of the Foreign Ministry.”

On Feb. 18, Russia and the US had the first meeting in Saudi Arabia in over three years, organized to address the bilateral ties and the Ukrainian settlement.

The meeting was followed by US-Ukrainian contacts, a visit by US special presidential envoy Steven Witkoff to Moscow, and a phone call between the Russian and US presidents.