Russia says it sees talks with US in Turkey as first in series to build confidence

MOSCOW, Feb 27 (Reuters) - Russia expects Thursday's talks between Russian and U.S. diplomats in Istanbul to be the first in a series of meetings that will bring the two countries closer to solving problems in their relationship, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

Zakharova, briefing, reporters, said the purpose of the talks in Turkey was to remove "irritants" in relations.

"We expect that today's meeting will be the first in a series of such expert consultations that will bring us closer to overcoming the disagreements that have arisen with the American side, strengthening confidence-building measures," she said.