Dhaka, March 1 -- Russia has formally asked the US to take into consideration resumption of direct flights between the two nations. In a move that might indicate a change in the tense bilateral relationship, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that negotiators had encouraged their American counterparts to reopen US airspace to Russian aircraft following a diplomatic conference in Istanbul, Turkey on February 28 .

According to a statement from the Russian ministry, the discussion in Istanbul was centered on resolving long-standing diplomatic issues and looking for "practical results" to enhance US-Russian relations. Restoring direct air connectivity was reportedly a major topic of conversation as officials underlined the necessit...