Turkey and the U.S. have mutually lifted sanctions on government officials previously imposed during their standoff over the arrest of American pastor Andrew Brunson.
Brunson was working as a missionary in Turkey when he was arrested two years ago.
The Treasury Department said Friday it was lifting sanctions on two Turkish ministers that were imposed back in August. In return, Turkey also lifted its sanctions on Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen and Attorney General Jeff Sessions. A spokesperson for Turkey's ruling AK Party said both countries agreed to lift sanctions after a phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last week.
Brunson was accused of terrorism and espionage and sentenced to more than three years behind bars. In October, a Turkish court immediately released him for time served and he was able to return to the U.S.
